Optical Properties and Raman Scattering Investigation of Ag Doped ZnO Thin Film Prepared by Two-Step Solution-Based Deposition Method

Mist-atomization deposition method was applied in order to grow ZnO nanoparticles on Au-seeded glass substrates acting as seeded template. Ag doped ZnO thin films were deposited on ZnO seeded templates by solution-immersion method. The influence of Ag doping content on the optical and Raman scattering properties of ZnO films were systematically investigated by UV-Vis transmittance measurement measured by ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Raman scattering spectrum measured by Raman spectroscopy under room temperature. From UV-Vis transmittance measurement, the incorporation of Ag dopant to the ZnO makes the transmittance wavelength shifted to the shorter wavelength as compared to the pure ZnO. From Raman spectra, 4 cm-1 downshift is observed in Ag-doped thin films as compared to pure ZnO thin films. This Raman peak shift shows that a tensile stress existed in the Ag-doped ZnO film.