Preparation of Conductive and Transparent Thin Films by Argon Ion Beam Sputtering of Zinc Oxide in Atmosphere Containing Hydrogen

Abstract
Conductive and transparent thin films of zinc oxide were prepared by argon ion beam sputtering of a zinc oxide target. The films, deposited at room temperature in an atmosphere containing hydrogen, typically showed the conductivity of 3.8×102/ Ω· cm. An increase of the hydrogen/argon ratio brought about an increase of carrier concentration, which was reflected by an increase of the absorption energy of the optical spectra.