Interface reactivity of Pr and SiO2 at 4H-SiC(0Â 0Â 0Â 1)

We use photoelectron spectroscopy to characterize the reactivity of Pr evaporated on SiO2 covered 4H-SiC substrates. We analyze the Si2p, C1s, and O1s core levels and find that Pr reacts at RT with the SiO2 layer to form Pr-silicate. In addition also Pr-silizide is formed as well as Pr-carbides. While the latter are formed as reaction intermediates after Pr evaporation, the Pr-silicate layer is formed upon annealing to 300 °C and is stable up to 800 °C.