Ranveer Singh

Tunable optoelectronic properties of pulsed dc sputter-deposited ZnO:Al thin films: Role of growth angle

In this paper, we investigate the role of deposition angle on the physical properties and work function of pulsed dc sputter-deposited Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films. It is observed that average grain size and crystal quality increase with higher angle of deposition, yielding improved optical properties. A systematic blue shift as well as a decrease in the resistivity takes place with the increasing growth angle up to 70°, while an opposite trend is observed beyond that. In addition, the work function of AZO films is also measured using Kelvin probe force microscopy, which corroborates well with the optical and structural properties. The observed results are explained in the framework of growth angle induced diffusion and shadowing effects. The films deposited at higher angles will be important for rapid incorporation into new technological applications that require a transparent conductive oxide.

Strong uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in Co films on highly ordered grating-like nanopatterned Ge surfaces

We present a systematic investigation on uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (UMA) in Co thin films induced by high aspect ratio nanopatterned anisotropic substrates. Self-organized long grating-like nanostructures, with extreme regularities, are fabricated on Ge surfaces using Au-ion implantation at room temperature. Subsequently deposition of Co films are carried out on the same at two different angles. Magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements show strong UMA in Co films grown on ion-patterned Ge substrates, fabricated under different ion fluences, along and perpendicular to the direction of the patterns (long grating-like nanostructures). Magnetic force microscopy measurements under different externally applied magnetic fields reveal an easy domain wall motion when the field is applied along the grating-like nanostructures. On the other hand, high amplitude grating-like nanostructures hinder the spin rotation when the field is applied along the hard axis. The present study will be useful for magnetic recording media and ultra-small magnetic field sensors.

Temperature dependent optical characterization of Ni-TiO2 thin films as potential photocatalytic material

Along with other transition metal doped titanium dioxide materials, Ni-TiO2 is considered to be one of the most efficient materials for catalytic applications due to its suitable energy band positions in the electronic structure. The present manuscript explores the possibility of improving the photocatalytic activity of RF magnetron sputtered Ni-TiO2 films upon heat treatment. Optical, structural and morphological and photocatalytic properties of the films have been investigated in detail for as deposited and heat treated samples. Evolution of refractive index (RI) and total film thickness as estimated from spectroscopic ellipsometry characterization are found to be in agreement with the trend in density and total film thickness estimated from grazing incidence X-ray reflectivity measurement. Interestingly, the evolution of these macroscopic properties were found to be correlated with the corresponding microstructural modifications realized in terms of anatase to rutile phase transformation and appearance of a secondary phase namely NiTiO3 at high temperature. Corresponding morphological properties of the films were also found to be temperature dependent which leads to modifications in the grain structure. An appreciable reduction of optical band gap from 2.9 to 2.5 eV of Ni-TiO2 thin films was also observed as a result of post deposition heat treatment. Testing of photocatalytic activity of the films performed under UV illumination demonstrates heat treatment under atmospheric ambience to be an effective means to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of transition metal doped titania samples.Along with other transition metal doped titanium dioxide materials, Ni-TiO2 is considered to be one of the most efficient materials for catalytic applications due to its suitable energy band positions in the electronic structure. The present manuscript explores the possibility of improving the photocatalytic activity of RF magnetron sputtered Ni-TiO2 films upon heat treatment. Optical, structural and morphological and photocatalytic properties of the films have been investigated in detail for as deposited and heat treated samples. Evolution of refractive index (RI) and total film thickness as estimated from spectroscopic ellipsometry characterization are found to be in agreement with the trend in density and total film thickness estimated from grazing incidence X-ray reflectivity measurement. Interestingly, the evolution of these macroscopic properties were found to be correlated with the corresponding microstructural modifications realized in terms of anatase to rutile phase transformation and appearance...