Structure and optical properties of CdS:O films by cathode sputtering.

We have studied the structure and optical properties of CdS:O films deposited on SLG (soda lime glass) substrates by cathode sputtering in the atmosphere of oxygen/argon gases. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD) and confocal Raman scattering data, the films annealed in vacuum at temperatures above 300 °C exhibited crystalline structure of CdS. On the other hand, XRD, confocal Raman scattering, AFM (atomic force microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) data indicated amorphous structure nano-crystallization in CdS:O films annealed in vacuum at 400 °C. For the films, the emissions located at 3.35 eV were evident from photoluminescence measurements. The origin of this energy gap is discussed by taking into account redistribution of electronic density of states in the amorphous phase and quantum-size effect. (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]