Band gap engineering of Pb1-xCdxSe thin films providing mid-IR photoluminescent based light emitting diodes for use in non-dispersive infrared gas sensors

McGann, G., Garcia Nuñez, C. , Fleming, L., Hutson, D., Waddell, E. and Gibson, D. (2023) Band gap engineering of Pb1-xCdxSe thin films providing mid-IR photoluminescent based light emitting diodes for use in non-dispersive infrared gas sensors. IEEE Sensors Letters, (doi: 10.1109/LSENS.2023.3307081)

Abstract

This work describes band-gap engineering of PbCdSe thin films for their use as light emitters in methane gas sensors. Pb 0.9 Cd 0.1 Se thin films were synthesized by pulsed direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering. Optical characterisation of films demonstrated successful emission of light at 3.32 μm. Post-sensitization (PS) - in highly reactive oxygen and iodine environment - was also analysed. Design of Experiments (DoE) was used to optimize photoluminescence (PL) of PbCdSe films as a function of PS conditions. The studies demonstrated a high influence of PS temperature on PL properties. The thickness of the films was also demonstrated to have a significant effect on the enhancement of PL. The analysis of the morphology revealed that recrystallisation of the material was key for the emission of light, probing its applicability as mid-IR light source in non-dispersive IR gas sensors.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported in part by InnovateUK (10034903) and UWS Vice Chancellor Fellowship.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Garcia Nunez, Dr Carlos
• Authors: McGann, G., Garcia Nuñez, C., Fleming, L., Hutson, D., Waddell, E., and Gibson, D.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Journal Name: IEEE Sensors Letters
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 2475-1472
• ISSN (Online): 2475-1472
• Published Online: 21 August 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Sensors Letters 2023
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy