Effect of Ag interlayer on the optical and passivation properties of flexible and transparent Al(2)O(3)/Ag/Al(2)O(3) multilayer

Abstract

We report on the characteristics of a flexible Al(2)O(3)/Ag/Al(2)O(3) multilayer passivation grown on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate as a function of Ag thickness. Due to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effects and the ductility of the Ag layer that is sandwiched between the dielectric Al(2)O(3) layer, the flexible Al(2)O(3)/Ag/Al(2)O(3) multilayer passivation exhibits a high transparency of 86.44% and improved flexibility at a Ag thickness of 10 nm. We found that SPR effects in the Ag layer occur at the transition region from distinct islands to a continuous film at a critical thickness (similar to 10 nm). In addition, the water vapor transmission rate of the Al(2)O(3)/Ag/Al(2)O(3)/PET sample decreased as the thickness of the Ag layer increased. Using synchrotron x-ray scattering and field emission scanning electron microscopy, we suggest a possible mechanism to explain the SPR in the Ag layer of the flexible and transparent Al(2)O(3)/Ag/Al(2)O(3) multilayer passivation. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.