AC conductivity and dielectric properties of thermally evaporated PbTe thin films

AC conductivity and dielectric properties of thermally evaporated lead telluride (PbTe) films have been investigated in the frequency range 30 Hz–100 kHz at various temperatures (303–483 K). The annealing process caused a stabilization of the dielectric properties due to the relief of stress and local structural rearrangement of atoms. The temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCC) and temperature coefficient of permittivity (TCP) have been estimated. The dominant conduction mechanism in the films is attributed to the hopping of thermally activated electrons under ac field. The results of variation of activation energy with frequency and thickness are discussed.