Epitaxial (110) orthorhombic KNbO, thin films were prepared using alkoxide solutions. Single-phase films were produced with stoichiometric sols while slight variations in stoichiometry (52/48 Nb/K or 48/52 NWK) created residual second phases. Nucleation and growth of KNbO, as a function of process conditions were monitored by observing the KNbO, rosettes produced from niobium-rich solutions. Methanolic solutions produced films with the highest rosette density and the highest amount of KNbO,. Hydrolysis of the sol aided the crystallization of the KNb03 phase but also promoted the formation of second phases. Hydrolysis at 0°C reduced second-phase formation.
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