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Materials studies related to the Cu/sub x/S/Zn/sub y/Cd/sub 1-y/S

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:6482364
A study was conducted of Cu/sub x/S and its interaction with the substrate and ambient. The goals of these Cu/sub x/S on CdS and Zn/sub y/Cd/sub 1-y/S substrates were to find the differences in materials related properties, if any. Cadmium and zinc compositions in Cu/sub x/S formed on Zn/sub y/Cd/sub 1-y/S films (0 < y < 0.25) by means of ion exchange were measured using Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA). Net concentrations of Cd and Zn in as-formed Cu/sub 2/S are generally in the 10/sup 18/-10/sup 19/ cm/sup -3/ range. Heat treatments in both oxidizing and reducing ambients raise the concentrations by over an order of magnitude, with the Zn concentration increasing more so than those of Cd. Large increases in Zn at or near the Cu/sub x/S surface were measured subsequent to heat treatment, accompanied by increased oxygen. Following heat treatments, Cd and Zn concentrations in the Cu/sub x/S bulk were found to be less than 10/sup 19/ and 10/sup 20/ cm/sup -3/, respectively, for all substrate compositions used. It is proposed that the presence of Cd and Zn can adversely effect the minority carrier lifetimes. These effects would tend to reduce the light generated current. The effects of heat treating Cu/sub x/S/Zn/sub y/Cd/sub 1-y/S and Cu/sub x/S/CdS in reducing and various oxidizing ambients are also reported.
Research Organization:
Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg (USA)
OSTI ID:
6482364
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English