H. Alghamdi, B. Concepcion, S. Baliga, P. Misra
Howard University,
United States
Keywords: tin dioxide, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Summary:
Thin films and powder samples of tetragonal tin dioxide (SnO2) on UV quartz and silicon wafers, created through radio frequency (RF) sputtering in an oxygen/argon mixed atmosphere, have been prepared and characterized spectroscopically. These thin films, along with SnO2 powder samples, were analyzed using a variety of different spectroscopic techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The spectral results have been compiled and analyzed in conjunction with a Molecular Dynamics simulation effort to model the vibrational modes of SnO2. The primary goal of the project has been to compare the results of both experimental and computational approaches to detect spectral features that have not previously been recognized and predict potential uses of these vibrational features for gas-sensing technology.