Er rare-earth ion incorporation in sol-gel SnO2

Abstract

Er-doped SnO 2 thin films and xerogels are obtained by sol-gel technique. In order to understand the Er 3+ rare-earth ion activity in SnO 2 matrix, a characterization of Er incorporation is done through emission and excitation spectra of xerogels, besides thin film electrical characterization. Effects to grain dimensions are also analyzed based on X-ray diffraction data showing the particle growth with annealing temperature and inhibition of this growth by Er doping. Electrical characterization results suggest that Er 3+ has an acceptor-like character in SnO 2 , and that codoping with Yb 3+ allows an energy transfer process Yb 3+ → Er 3+ .