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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Nanoindentation is a promising tool for obtaining the elastic properties of thin films. However, no means exists to predict or extrapolate the elastic modulus of the top layer in multilayer systems from experimental data. The mechanical properties of PZT multilayer systems have become increasingly important in applications for MEMS devices. The indentation modulus vs. a/t behaviour of PZT on Pt/SiO2/Si wafer substrate was investigated and compared with a new analytical solution for Herztian indentation of multilayers. Five different PZT film thicknesses were indented (70, 140, 400, 700, 1500 nm), using a 10 μm radius indenter. Good agreement was found between analytical equations and experimental data. However the behaviour of the multilayer system was complex. This makes the deconvolution of film properties difficult for thicknesses less than about 1000 nm.