Influence of Au diffusion on structural, electrical and optical characteristics of CdTe thin films


Dzhafarov T. D., Caliskan M.

JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS, vol.40, no.13, pp.4003-4009, 2007 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 40 Issue: 13
  • Publication Date: 2007
  • Doi Number: 10.1088/0022-3727/40/13/014
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.4003-4009
  • Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Diffusion of Au and its effects on structural, electrical and optical properties of CdTe films fabricated by the close-spaced sublimation technique have been investigated. Diffusion of Au was studied in the range 400-550 degrees C using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis. Au-doped and un-doped CdTe films were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), electrical and optical absorption measurements. The temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient of Au in CdTe films is described as D = 4.4 x 10(-7) exp(-0.54 eV/kT). The mechanism of Au diffusion in polycrystalline CdTe films is attributed to the fast migration of Au along grain boundaries with simultaneous penetration into grains and settling on Cd-vacancies. It is supposed that the weak influence of Au diffusion on XRD patterns of CdTe films can be explained by dispersal of Au atoms preferentially on Cd-vacancies owing to proximity of the covalent radius of Au and Cd. Au atoms, placed on Cd-vacancies (AuCd) during fast cooling from diffusion temperature to room temperature, show an acceptor behaviour with an energy level about of E-v + 0.2 eV. The nature of this level is discussed.