Publication

Abstract : Investigations are conducted into the effects of co-doping with alkali elements (Li, Na, and K) on the structural, optical, and morphological characteristics of thin Co-ZnO films deposited using the sol-gel spin coating technique. Structural investigations revealed that the coated films have wurtzite structure with [002] fibre texture. Optical studies are utilized to infer the substitution of Co2+ in the ZnO lattice. The nature of defect emissions observed in the photoluminescence spectra differed with the incorporation of different alkali elements. In the resonance Raman measurements, multiple LO phonons upto the tenth order has been observed in the coated thin films. Magnetic force microscopy is utilized to understand the distribution of magnetism and the existence of Co metallic clusters in the grown thin films.