Selena Lamborn,  

Sponsor or Client: 

Title:

Thin Films For Use in Quantum Networking: Effect of Doping on Spin Coated ITO Thin Films

Abstract:

Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) are electrically conductive materials that are optically transparent. TCOs are most commonly used in optoelectronics such as solar cells and touch screen displays. One of these TCOs is indium tin oxide (ITO). ITO has been demonstrated to have the potential to superconduct below 4 Kelvin, which when combined with its optical properties makes it a promising material for use in quantum networking. Traditional fabrication techniques require large facilities and high levels of technical training to use. Spin-coating deposition is a potential alternative to these costly fabrication techniques. For this study, Sodium ion (Na+), a p-type dopant, was added to the spin-coated ITO films in quantities of 1, 3, 5, and 7 atom%. UV-Visible spectroscopy was used to evaluate the optical transparency of the films. Ellipsometry and four-point resistance measurements were used to evaluate conductive properties of the films. Microscopy techniques including atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to evaluate the topology of the Na-doped ITO films.