Annealing driven performance and optical effects in nanocrystalline SnO2 thin films induced by pulsed delivery

Tin dioxide thin films were prepared successfully by pulsed laser deposition techniques on glass substrates. The thin films were then annealed for 30 min from 50 °C to 550 °C at 50 °C intervals. The influence of the annealing temperature on the microstructure and optical properties of SnO2 thin films was investigated using X-ray diffraction, optical transmittance and reflectance measurements. Various optical parameters, such as optical band gas energy, refractive index and optical conductivity were calculated from the optical transmittance and reflectance data recorded in the wavelength range 300–2500 nm. We found that the SnO2 thin film annealed at temperatures up to 400 °C is a good window material for solar cell application. Our experimental results indicated that SnO2 thin films with the high optical quality could be synthesized by pulsed laser deposition techniques.

► SnO2 thin films were prepared successfully by pulsed laser deposition techniques. ► The annealing temperature is a very important parameter. ► The band-gas energy and refractive index showed approximately linear behavior. ► SnO2 thin films exhibited high optical conductivity.