GROWTH MODES OF SOLUTION-GROWN CDS THIN-FILMS

The growth modes of CdS thin films on glass in a chemical bath were an alysed using scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The results of these studies show that the film growth occurs by ion-by-io n condensation and by colloidal particles of CdS adhering to the subst rate, Both mechanisms are operative from the initial stages of film gr owth. The predominance of one or other of these two growth modes depen ds on the abundance of Cd and S ions present in the solution, which is determined by the amount of complexing and sulphurising agents and am monia used for the controlled release of Cd and S ions into the soluti on, The growth mode influences the optical properties of the films.