Optical spectroscopy characterization of Cu doped ZnO nano- and microstructures grown by vapor-solid method

Cu doped ZnO micro- and nanostructures have been grown by a vapor-solid method. The influence on the morphology of the structures of the precursor used for both host and dopant has been investigated. The density and uniformity of the structures is higher when ZnS is used for host precursor. Regarding the dopant incorporation, different degree of segregation is observed depending on the precursor used (metallic Cu or Copper oxides). The dopant distribution has been studied by X-ray Microanalysis, (EDS). The luminescence properties have been studied by cathode- and photoluminescence techniques. The ZnO band edge emission is quenched when Cu is incorporated to the host while defect and Cu related bands are still present. Moreover, a modification of the spatial distribution of the luminescence centres due to segregation is also observed. Raman spectroscopy and X ray diffraction have been also used to assess the properties of the samples grown.