Quantum size and composition effects in photoacoustic spectra of Fe(sub x)Zr(sub 1-x)O2 clusters

A study was conducted to analyze the quantum size and composition effects on the optical characteristics of Fe(sub x)Zr(sub 1-x)O2 clusters using measurements of the photoacoustic spectra at room temperature. The Japan Rigaku x-ray diffractometer was utilized to obtain x-ray powder diffraction patterns. The aerogel cluster powders were then formed by the gelation of the precursor chemicals. Results indicated that iron doping of ZrO2 powders results into strong subgap absorption in the ZrO2 grains.