The effect of Zn3N2 phase decomposition on the properties of highly-doped ZnO: Al, N films

Study of Al-N simultaneous doping and thermal annealing influence on the properties of ZnO films is very important for achievement as p-type conductivity in the films as for improvement the performance of ZnO-based ultraviolet detectors. Highly-doped ZnO: Al, N films containing the Zn3N2 phase (ZnO: Al, N-Zn3N2) were grown on Si substrates by magnetron sputtering using a layer-by-layer growth technique. Our work presents a comparative study of the structure, optical and electronic properties of highly-doped as-grown and annealed ZnO: Al, N films. It was shown that the thermal annealing of ZnO: Al, N-Zn3N2 film at atmospheric conditions allows to decompose the Zn3N2 phase. The features of this phenomena on the properties of ZnO: Al, N films were investigated and discussed in detail by using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Raman scattering, photoluminescence, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray emission spectroscopy.