The Effect of CD on the Structural and Optical Properties of ZnMgO for Ultraviolet Photodetector Applications

Thin films were deposited on glass substrates using the sol-gel dip-coating method. The influence of cadmium on the structural and optical properties of ZnMgO was investigated. Structural, morphological and optical characteristics were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and UV-visible spectroscopy. The results revealed that all films exhibited a wurtzite crystal structure, with grain sizes decreasing form 19 nm to 13.7 nm after adding Cd atoms. The films showed over 88% transmittance in the visible range, but for ultraviolet light, the spectrum showed higher absorption in ZnMgCdO thins films than in ZnMgO. Additionally, the films surfaces were dense, homogeneous, without any cracks and the addition of Cd atoms helped fill the spaces between ZnMgO molecules, making the surface more uniform. The ultraviolet photodetector properties indicate that the material responds more strongly in ZnMgCdO thin films to this radiation by generating more charge carriers.