TITLE:
Effects of Electropulsing Induced Microstructural Changes on THz-Reflection and Electrical Conductivity of Al-Doped ZnO Thin-Films
AUTHORS:
Yaohua Zhu, Weien Lai
KEYWORDS:
Electropulsing, Precipitation, Preferred Crystal Orientation, THz Reflection, Electrical Conductivity, AZO Thin-Films
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Surface Engineered Materials and Advanced Technology,
Vol.6 No.3,
June
28,
2016
ABSTRACT: Electropulsing induced phase transformation and crystal orientation change and their effects on electrical conductivity, THz reflection and surface roughness of thin-films of Al2O3 (2 wt%) doped ZnO were studied using XRD, SEM, AFM and Thz spectroscopy techniques. AZO-2 thin-films showed an effective response in THz spectroscopy under electropulsing. Electropulsing induced circular preferred crystal orientation changes and phase transformations were observed. The preferred crystal orientation changes accompanying decrease in stress and the secondary phase precipitation favored enhancing conductivity and THz reflection of the AZO-2 thin-films. After adequate electropulsing, both THz reflection and electrical conductivity of the thin-films were enhanced by 22.8% and 6.8%, respectively; meanwhile surface roughness reduced. The property responses of electropulsing are discussed from point view of microstructural change and dislocation dynamics.