Investigation of optical properties of annealed aluminum phthalocyanine derivatives thin films

Semiconducting molecular materials based on aluminum phthalocyanine chloride (AlPcCl) and bidentate amines have been successfully used to prepare thin films by using a thermal evaporation technique. The morphology of the deposited films was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Studies of the optical properties were carried out on films deposited onto quartz and (1 0 0) monocrystalline silicon wafers and films annealed after deposition. The absorption spectra recorded in the UV–vis region for the as-deposited and annealed samples showed two absorption bands, namely the Q- and B-bands. In addition, an energy doublet in the absorption spectra of the monoclinic form at 1.81 and 1.99 eV was observed. A band-model theory was employed in order to determine the optical parameters. The fundamental energy gap (direct transitions) was determined to be within the 2.47–2.59 and 2.24–2.44 eV ranges, respectively, for the as-deposited and annealed thin films.     

Effect of thermal treatment on the nonlinear optical response and stability of hybrid inorganic-organic films

Hybrid inorganic-organic second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) materials have been obtained through hydrolysis and co-condensation between tetraethyl silicate (TEOS), Vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) and an alkoxysilane dye (ICTES-DR1). The hybrid materials showed a thermal stability up to 306 °C in thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) thermograms and no visible glass transition temperature (T_g) was observed in the range 50-200 °C in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms. The poling profiles of the hybrid films were investigated by using the in situ second harmonic generation (SHG) measurement. The thermal stability of the second order NLO properties of the poled films were also investigated by the in situ SHG intensity probing. It has been shown that the NLO response and its thermal stability were strongly dependent on the thermal pretreatment of the films.     

Compositional dependence of the optical properties of amorphous semiconducting glass Ge10AsxSe(90−x) thin films

Optical properties of ternary chalcognide amorphous Ge₁₀As_xSe_(90−x) (with 10?x?25 at%) thin films prepared by thermal evaporation have been measured in visible and near-infrared spectral region. The straightforward analysis proposed by Swanepoel has been successfully employed, and it has allowed us to determine the average thickness , and the refractive index, n, of the films, with high accuracy. The refractive index, n and the average thickness has been determined from the upper and lower envelopes of the transmission spectra measured at normal incidence, in the spectral range 400-2500 nm. The absorption coefficient α, and therefore extinction coefficient k, have been determined from the transmission spectra in the strong-absorption region. The dispersion of the refractive index is discussed in terms of the single oscillator Wemple-DiDomenico model, and the optical absorption edge is described using the ‘nondirect transition’ model proposed by Tauc. Likewise, the optical energy gap is derived from Tauc's extrapolation. The relationship between the optical gap and chemical composition in Ge₁₀As_xSe_(90−x) amorphous system is discussed in terms of the average heat of atomization H_s and average coordination number N_c. Finally, the chemical bond approach has been also applied successfully to interpret the decrease of the glass optical gap with increasing As content.     

Investigations on the mechanism of carrier transport in plasma polymerized pyrrole thin films

Plasma polymerization is found to be an excellent technique for the preparation of good quality, pinhole-free, polymer thin films from different monomer precursors. The present work describes the preparation and characterization of polypyrrole (PPy) thin films by ac plasma polymerization technique in their pristine and in situ iodine doped forms. The electrical conductivity studies of the aluminium-polymer-aluminium (Al-polymer-Al) structures have been carried out and a space charge limited conduction (SCLC) mechanism is identified as the most probable mechanism of carrier transport in these polymer films. The electrical conductivity shows an enhanced value in the iodine doped sample. The reduction of optical band gap by iodine doping is correlated with the observed conductivity results.     

Field-effect switching in nano-graphite films

The effect of electrical resistivity switching in nano-graphite films is described. In difference with cases published elsewhere the switching in nano-graphite films occurs from stable high conductive to metastable low conductive state. Critical current of switching varies in the range 10–500 mA and is believed to increase up to values of 100–1000 A appropriate for using of nano-graphite samples in power grids as contact-less current limiters and circuit breakers. The possible mechanisms of switching phenomenon in nano-graphite films are discussed.     

Spectroscopic investigations of a novel push-pull azo compound embedded in rigid polymer

A new heterocyclic push-pull azo compound-in-poly(methymethacrylate) (PMMA) film has been made by means of the spin-coating method. The spectroscopic properties of the films have been investigated with the steady-state absorption spectra, and steady-state fluorescence and femtosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectra in the first time, which is an important characteristic for the application of the film. The excited singlet (S₁) state lifetimes for trans and cis isomers of the film at room temperature have been measured. The excited triplet (T₁) state lifetime of cis isomer of the film has been obtained. The electronic structure of the film has been explained. The results show that the aggregate state of the azo molecules greatly influences its absorption spectra.     

The structural and optical property dependence of disordered copper oxide on oxygen content

This study has investigated the optical and structural properties of reactively sputtered copper oxide. The investigated Cu to O ratio (oxygen content) spans the metal-insulator transition. Initially, the number of copper crystallites reduces and Cu₂O crystallite numbers increase with increasing oxygen content, this then turns to a crystallite evolution of Cu₂O to CuO as the oxygen content is increased above the nominal value for Cu₂O, with no copper crystallites remaining. Along with the change in the structure, the system smoothly evolves from optically being metallic in nature to being band gap like, with increasing oxygen content.     

Influence of deposition parameters on the structural and optical properties of CdS thin films obtained by micro-controlled SILAR deposition

Polycrystalline CdS films were obtained by a micro-controlled SILAR deposition technique, using aqueous solutions of cadmium acetate and thiourea as precursors. The structural and optical properties of the films were found to be influenced by various deposition parameters such as number of immersion cycles, concentration of the precursors and temperature of the solutions. Contrary to the observations made by some researchers, we found that the thickness of the films increased continuously with number of immersion cycles and also with concentration of the precursor solutions. We also found that the films covered the substrates uniformly, without any voids, unlike the films obtained by others. Effect of deposition parameters on thickness, substrate coverage, grain size, chemical composition, optical band gap and other properties of the films is discussed in detail.     

Simulation of resistance switching of memory cells based on solid electrolyte

The electrochemical reaction induced resistance switching of memory cells based on solid electrolyte is simulated by an interface-tracking method using a two-dimensional model. For the switching-on process, the simulating results show that metal dendrites will be formed in the solid electrolyte, switching the device to a low-resistance state. For the switching-off process, the dendrite will be dissolved and the conductive channel eventually breaks down, switching the device to a high-resistance state.     

Thermal annealing effect on the crystallization and optical dispersion of sprayed V2O5 thin films

Polycrystalline vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) thin films have been deposited by spray pyrolysis technique on preheated glass substrate. The influence of thermal annealing on the crystallization of V₂O₅ has been investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) revealed that the films deposited at T_sub=350 °C were orthorhombic structures with a preferential orientation along 〈0 0 1〉 direction. Moreover, the degree of crystallinity was improved by thermal annealing. Optical properties of these samples were studied by spectrophotometer in the wavelength range 300-2500 nm. Some of the important optical absorptions such as optical dispersion energies E_o and E_d, dielectric constant ε, ratio between number of charge carriers and effective mass N/m^*, wavelength of single oscillator λ₀, plasma frequency ω_p, single resonant frequency ω₀ and the average of oscillator strength S_o, have been evaluated. In the annealing process, the dielectric properties have weak dependencies of film thickness and annealing time. Furthermore, a value of carrier concentration was obtained of 3.02×10²⁵ m⁻³ for the as-deposited film and slight changes with annealing time.     

TEM and XPS studies on CdS/CIGS interfaces

Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) was deposited by metallic precursors sputtering and subsequently submitted to a selenization process. The upper CdS layers were deposited by chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique. The CdS/CIGS interfaces were investigated by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). As checked by XPS analysis, the CIGS surface exhibited a hydroxide-terminated CdSe layer when treated with Cd Partial Electrolyte solution (Cd PE). Its thickness was roughly estimated to several nanometers. A 100 nm thick CdS layer was deposited onto CIGS surface. The TEM images revealed a clear and sharp interface between CdS and CIGS. XPS analysis showed a CIGS surface covered by a pinhole free and homogeneous CdS layer. XPS depth profile measurement of the CdS/CIGS interface did not evidence elemental inter-diffusion between the CIGS and CdS layers, in very good agreement with TEM observations.     

Derivation of the optical constants of spin coated CeO2-TiO2-ZrO2 thin films prepared by sol-gel route

Ternary thin films of cerium titanium zirconium mixed oxide were prepared by the sol-gel process and deposited by a spin coating technique at different spin speeds (1000-4000 rpm). Ceric ammonium nitrate, Ce(NO₃)₆(NH₄)₂, titanium butoxide, Ti[O(CH₂)₃CH₃]₄, and zirconium propoxide, Zr(OCH₂CH₂CH₃)₄, were used as starting materials. Differential calorimetric analysis (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were carried out on the CeO₂-TiO₂-ZrO₂ gel to study the decomposition and phase transition of the gel. For molecular, structural, elemental, and morphological characterization of the films, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were carried out. All the ternary oxide thin films were amorphous. The optical constants (refractive index, extinction coefficient, band gap) and thickness of the films were determined in the 350-1000 nm wavelength range by using an nkd spectrophotometer. The refractive index, extinction coefficient, and thickness of the films were changed by varying the spin speed. The oscillator and dispersion energies were obtained using the Wemple-DiDomenico dispersion relationship. The optical band gap is independent of the spin speed and has a value of about E_g≈2.82±0.04 eV for indirect transition.     

Effect of substrate and annealing on the structural and optical properties of ZnO:Al films

ZnO:Al thin films with c-axis preferred orientation were deposited on glass and Si substrates using RF magnetron sputtering technique. The effect of substrate on the structural and optical properties of ZnO:Al films were investigated. The results showed a strong blue peak from glass-substrate ZnO:Al film whose intensity became weak when deposited on Si substrate. However, the full width at half maxima (FWHM) of the Si-substrate ZnO:Al (0 0 2) peaks decreased evidently and the grain size increased. Finally, we discussed the influence of annealing temperature on the structural and optical properties of Si-substrate ZnO:Al films. After annealing, the crystal quality of Si-substrate ZnO:Al thin films was markedly improved and the intensity of blue peak (∼445 nm) increased noticeably. This observation may indicate that the visible emission properties of the ZnO:Al films are dependent more on the film crystallinity than on the film stoichiometry.     

Observation of a tunneling magnetoresistance effect in magnetic tunneling junctions with a high resistance ferromagnetic oxide Fe2⋅5Mn0⋅5O4 electrode

A high resistance ferromagnetic oxide Fe_2⋅5Mn_0⋅5O₄ (FMO) property as a novel spin injector was investigated with a structure of a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) composed of FMO/Al-O/Ni₈₀Fe₂₀, in order to reduce an impedance mismatch problem on molecular spintronics. A tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) effect in the MTJs was observed. The maximum TMR ratio observed in the MTJs was approximately 0.85% at room temperature (RT), and the spin-polarization of FMO was estimated to be at least 0.94% at RT.     

Role of various LB parameters on the optical characteristics of mixed Langmuir-Blodgett films

This communication reports the spectroscopic characterizations of mixed Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films of non-amphiphilic N,N-bis (2,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)- 3,4,9-perylenedicarboximide (DBPI) molecules, mixed with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and stearic acid (SA). J- aggregates of DBPI molecules in the mixed LB films have been confirmed by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopic study. Formation of organized structure of molecular stacking in the mixed LB films gives rise to the strong excimeric emission, which is manifested by a broad structureless band in the longer wavelength region of the fluorescence spectra and is confirmed by excitation spectroscopic study. A weak hump at around 576 nm due to monomeric emission is observed in the fluorescence spectra of 0.1 M of DBPI-PMMA mixed LB films of lower number of layers. The intensity of the 0-0 band at 530 nm in the fluorescence spectra is observed to be a function of the molefraction, number of layers, surface pressure of lifting and the matrix materials.     

Enhancement of nonlinear properties of superconducting films in low-frequency magnetic field

The effect of enhancement of nonlinear properties of superconducting films is found in low-frequency magnetic field. Harmonic mixing of the electromagnetic radiation is detected. These results provide an argument in support of a new approach to design the active superconducting elements. A low-frequency oscillating magnetic field directed perpendicularly to the film surface forms an unstable vortex structure in the film. The frequency multiplication is intensified in the vortex unstable state. A transition of the vortex structure into the ground state synchronized by an external resonant circuit causes the generation of the electromagnetic radiation. Main advantage of these oscillators over Josephson junctions is high power emitted into a broadband system.     

The effect of (00l) crystal plane orientation on the thermoelectric properties of Bi2Te3 thin film

Highly (00l)-oriented pure Bi₂Te₃ films with in-plane layered grown columnar nanostructure have been fabricated by a simple magnetron co-sputtering method. Compared with ordinary Bi₂Te₃ film and bulk materials, the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of such films have been greatly increased simultaneously due to raised carrier mobility and electron scattering parameter, while the thermal conductivity has been decreased due to phonon scattering by grain boundaries between columnar grains and interfaces between each layers. The power factor has reached as large as 33.7 μW cm⁻¹ K⁻², and the out-of-plane thermal conductivity is reduced to 0.86 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹. Our results confirm that tailoring nanoscale structures inside thermoelectric films effectively enhances their performances.     

Structure and optical properties of chemically synthesized titanium oxide deposited by evaporation technique

Titanium oxide inorganic ion exchange material was synthesized by hydrolysis with water and ammonia solution. Structural feature of the synthesized titanium oxide was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and infrared spectrometer technique. Tentative formula of titanium oxide was determined and written as TiO₂·0.58H₂O. Titanium oxide films were deposited on glass substrates by means of an electron beam evaporation technique at room temperature from bulk sample. The films were annealed at 250, 350, 450, and 550 °C temperatures. Transmittance, reflectance, optical energy gap, refractive index and extinction coefficient were investigated. The transmittance values of 85% in the visible region and 88% in the near infrared region have been obtained for titanium oxide film annealed at 550 °C. Kubelka-Munk function was used to evaluate the absorption coefficient which was used to determine the optical band gap. It was found that the optical band gap increases with increasing annealing temperature whereas the refractive index and extinction coefficient decreases.     

More studies on the sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide)+imidazole Brønsted acid-base polymer electrolyte membrane

In this article, we report the synthesis of a serious of proton-conducting polymer electrolytes made of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) (SPPO) and imidazole (Im) by tuning the mixing ratios. The samples were labeled by their mole composition as SPPO-xIm, where x is the molar ratio of Im to SPPO repeat unit. These membranes were studied by means of Thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and investigation of activation energies of the SPPO-xIm at different relative humidity was also performed. TG-DTA curves reveal these SPPO-xIm composite materials had the high thermal stability. The proton conductivity of SPPO-xIm composite material increased with the temperature, and the highest proton conductivity of SPPO-xIm composite materials was found to be 6.92×10⁻³ S/cm at 200 °C under 33% relative humidity (RH) with a “mixing rate” where x=2.