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Title: Electron scattering mechanisms in fluorine-doped SnO{sub 2} thin films

Journal Article · · Journal of Applied Physics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4829672· OSTI ID:22259290
;  [1];  [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. Laboratoire des Matériaux et du Génie Physique, CNRS—Grenoble INP, 3 parvis Louis Néel, 38016 Grenoble (France)
  2. Micro-Nanoelectronics Centre, Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Dyke Parade, Cork (Ireland)
  3. Institut de Microélectronique Electromagnétisme et Photonique-Laboratoire d'Hyperfréquences et de Caractérisation, Grenoble INP, 3 Parvis Louis Néel, 38016 Grenoble (France)

Polycrystalline fluorine-doped SnO{sub 2} (FTO) thin films have been grown by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis on glass substrate. By varying growth conditions, several FTO specimens have been deposited and the study of their structural, electrical, and optical properties has been carried out. By systematically investigating the mobility as a function of carrier density, grain size, and crystallite size, the contribution of each physical mechanism involved in the electron scattering has been derived. A thorough comparison of experimental data and calculations allows to disentangle these different mechanisms and to deduce their relative importance. In particular, the roles of extended structural defects such as grain or twin boundaries as revealed by electron microscopy or x-ray diffraction along with ionized impurities are discussed. As a consequence, based on the quantitative analysis presented here, an experimental methodology leading to the improvement of the electro-optical properties of FTO thin films is reported. FTO thin films assuming an electrical resistivity as low as 3.7 · 10{sup −4} Ω cm (square sheet resistance of 8 Ω/◻) while retaining good transmittance up to 86% (including substrate effect) in the visible range have been obtained.

OSTI ID:
22259290
Journal Information:
Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 114, Issue 18; Other Information: (c) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0021-8979
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English