Electron spin resonance observation of trapped electron centers in atomic-layer-deposited hafnium oxide on Si

Abstract
We observed two paramagnetic defects in thin films of HfO 2 on silicon with electron spin resonance. Both appear after photoinjecting electrons into the dielectric. Strong spectroscopic evidence links one spectrum to an O 2 − defect. A second spectrum is likely due to an Hf +3 related defect.