Random lasing from surface modified films of zinc oxide nanoparticles

• Published in: Applied surface science 2005-07, Vol.247 (1), p.18-24
• Main Authors: Stassinopoulos, A., Das, R.N., Giannelis, E.P., Anastasiadis, S.H., Anglos, D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Ii-vi semiconductors; Materials science; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Photoluminescence; Physics; Random laser; Structure and morphology; thickness; Surface processing; Surface treatments; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Thin film structure and morphology; Zinc oxide
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2005.01.055

The photoluminescence properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) ceramic thin films, prepared by spin coating of ZnO nanoparticle aqueous suspensions, were studied with emphasis on the influence of film structure and surface morphology on the observation of random laser action. Surface processing employing laser annealing transforms the particulate grain structure of the as-deposited films into a porous channel-like network. This modification was shown to be critical for achieving random laser action as it favors efficient coupling of the pump light into the film material.