Transport properties of thin SnO 2 〈Sb〉 films grown by pulsed laser deposition

Thin SnO2 films grown by pulsed laser deposition have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, optical spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The carrier mobility and concentration in the films have been determined as functions of target composition (0–8 at % Sb) using Hall effect measurements, and the resistivity of the films has been measured by a four-probe technique. The lowest resistivity (ρ = 2 × 10−3 Ω cm) and the highest transmission (≃ 85%) of the films in the spectral range 400-800 nm have been obtained at a target composition Sb/(Sn + Sb) = 2 at %. The observed variation in the resistivity of the films is determined by changes in carrier concentration to a greater extent than by changes in carrier mobility. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results demonstrate that the predominant charge state of the antimony in the films is Sb5+.