Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Bi4Ti3O12 thin films have been grown on indium tin oxide coated glass by pulsed laser deposition. The films are rapidly thermal annealed at 650 °C in various kinds of ambients. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy are used to investigate crystallization and microstructures, respectively. Using Auger electron microscopy, chemical compositions and depth profiles are examined. Optical and current-voltage characteristics measurements of the films show that their transmittance and leakage current behaviors are strongly dependent upon the microstructures. O2 partial pressure in the rapid thermal annealing process is found to be an important parameter which determines crystallization, microstructures, and leakage current behaviors of the Bi4Ti3O12 thin films.