The characteristics of gold films deposited on ceramic substrate

The morphology of the film was studied by SEM microscopy. The grain size varied between 0.05 – 2 μm as a function of the film composition. The major phases from the film and interface were evidenced by X-ray diffraction. The film consisted of crystalline gold. At the interface region a solid solution of Au-ZrSiO4 was identified. Other phases were in amorphous state. The reflection spectra of the films were recorded from optical properties, using a mirror gold as standard, for comparison. The film with the smaller particle size reflected the UV — VIS wavelengths in the same way as a gold mirror. The adherence of the film on the substrate can be explained by the formation of an interfacial layer from solid solution Au ZrSiO4 and by diffusion processes.