Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Various annealing methods for sol-gel films have been investigated. Thermal, photothermal, RTP and excimer laser annealing have been used to convert sol-gel precursor films into oxidic films. RTP annealing of sol-gel films yields better results than classical thermal annealing or excimer laser irradiation. Photochemical effects during RTP annealing contribute to obtain high-quality oxide films. The various annealing methods are illustrated by the annealing of alkoxide precursor films of tantalum, iron, nickel and yttrium.