Reproducibility and Quality of Magnetron Deposition Processes for MoS2 Thin Films

This paper presents the results of an analysis of factors affecting on the quality of magnetron sputtering processes using stoichiometric MoS2 targets. Process factors influencing on the MoS2 thin film stoichiometry and its reproducibility across different processes have been identified. To achieve a Mo : S stoichiometric ratio closest to the 1 : 2 proportion, it is necessary to eliminate or significantly minimize the formation of sulfur compounds during the target sputtering process, as their formation indicates the occurrence of reactions involving water sorbed inside the system. The research results enable MoS2 coatings deposition regimes intensification and improve their quality, based on the proposed system for monitoring process parameters.