Correlation between optical,structural, and sensor properties of nanostructures of nickel oxide on aluminum oxide substrates

We have established a correlation between diffuse reflection of nickel oxide-based composites in the red region of the spectrum and the nanostructural properties of the roughness profile of the composite. We present calculations of the absorption spectra for samples of nanostructured nickel oxide of thickness 0.25–0.35 μm on aluminum oxide substrates from diffuse reflection and transmission of the layers by multiple scattering methods, taking into account the luminescence of the samples in the weak absorption region. Using a special optical system, we have determined the selective sensitivity to carbon monoxide exposure of a nanostructured nickel oxide composite at room temperature. The result is of fundamental importance for development of optical selective gas sensor technology in the visible region of the spectrum.