Exploring the relationship between reaction temperature and photodetection properties in Sb2Se3 thin film-based devices


Olğar M. A., Yılmaz S., Rehman F., BACAKSIZ E.

Surfaces and Interfaces, vol.61, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 61
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106109
  • Journal Name: Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: DC magnetron sputtering, Photodetector, Reaction temperature, Responsivity, Sb2Se3 thin films
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This paper focuses on optimizing the reaction temperature of Sb2Se3 thin films for photodetector applications. The films were grown using a two-stage method on glass substrates. Structural analysis revealed the formation of the orthorhombic Sb2Se3 phase along the (020) plane, and increasing the reaction temperature up to 400 °C improved the crystal quality. Notably, the most promising structural properties were achieved for Sb2Se3 thin films reacted at 380 °C. Raman spectra confirmed the presence of tetragonal and amorphous selenium, along with Sb₂Se₃. Morphological analysis showed that a horizontally aligned rod morphology developed as the Sb2Se3 thin film grew, with the rod sizes increasing as the reaction temperature reached to 400 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the formation of Sb-Se and Sb-O bonds, along with the presence of unreacted oxygen atoms near the surface of Sb₂Se₃ thin films reacted at 340 °C. Photoluminescence data indicated a bandgap value of 1.24 eV for Sb2Se3 films reacted at 380 °C. The current-voltage (I-V) curves exhibited a linear dependence for all Sb2Se3-based devices, suggesting ohmic contact between the films and the electrodes. The fastest photoresponse was observed for the photodetector annealed at 380 °C, with rise and fall times of 26 ms and 40 ms, respectively. Additionally, the highest responsivity (R = 8.0 × 10–4 A/W), detectivity (D* = 3.8 × 106 Jones), and external quantum efficiency (EQE = 16.3%) were achieved by the same device, indicating that the optimal reaction temperature for Sb2Se3 thin films and their photodetector applications is approximately at 380 °C.