Effects of site substitutions and concentration on the structural, optical and visible photoluminescence properties of Er doped BaTiO3 thin films prepared by RF magnetron sputtering

The structural, optical and visible photoluminescence of the Erbium (Er) doped BaTiO3 (BT:Er) thin films were studied in terms of Er3+ substitutions for Ba and Ti sites with different Er3+ doping concentrations (0, 1, 3 and 5 wt%). X-ray diffraction pattern of BT:Er films with different Er3+ concentration showed tetragonal phase with preferred orientation along (1 0 1) plane. The lattice constant of BT:Er film of 1 wt% Er3+ shrank and then expanded for higher concentration. This indicates that Er3+ ions are completely incorporated into the host lattice by substituting for Ba2+ sites for 1 wt% Er3+ and then Ti4+ sites for higher Er3+ concentration in the BaTiO3 host. The crystallite size decreased for 1 wt% and then increased for higher Er (3 and 5 wt%) concentrations. The Scanning electron microscopy images revealed well patterned arrangement of larger spherical grains with neck formation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of barium, titanium, erbium and oxygen in BT:Er films. An average transmittance >80% in visible region were observed for all the films. Optical band gap energy of BT:Er films were found to vary with increase in Er3+ concentration. The high refractive index >2 of these films can be used in optical application and anti-reflection coatings. Photoluminescence spectra of the films exhibited an increase in the emission intensity up to 3 wt% of Er3+ and then a decrease, due to self quenching. The improved optical properties of BT:Er films makes suitable for optical applications.