Characterization of DLC films by EELS and electron holography.

Thickness measurements of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films by electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and electron holography are discussed. In order to evaluate the thickness by EELS and electron holography, the mean free path for inelastic scattering and mean inner potential of DLC films were determined precisely, respectively. It is found that both the mean free path for inelastic electron scattering and the mean inner potential are sensitive to the preparation methods, namely the density of DLC films. The present work has demonstrated that thickness measurement by EELS is available to DLC films thicker than 20 nm, while electron holography can be applied to thinner films ( approximately 5 nm). Furthermore, close relations are observed between the density of DLC films and the energy-loss spectra.