Optical and nuclear characterization of Xe-induced nanoporosity in SiO2

We performed RBS, infrared (IR) and C–V measurements in order to follow the evolution of Xe, bubbles/cavities and other defects (with a focus on NBOHC: non-bridging oxygen hole center) and dielectric constant (k), in high dose Xe implantation in SiO2. As-implanted sample provides the lowest value of k which increases with post thermal annealing. In the meantime, the concentration of negatively charged defects decreases with annealing while Xe out-diffuses after annealing at 1100 °C leaving Xe free cavities in the sample. By combining these results one can determine the contribution of nanoporosity in dielectric constant evolution.