CHEMICAL SOLUTION DEPOSITION OF LEAD SELENIDE FILMS - A MECHANISTIC AND STRUCTURAL STUDY

Chemical solution deposition of PbSe films is shown to proceed via two different mechanisms-an ion-by-ion or a cluster mechanism. Here we sh ow how conditions can be chosen where either one or both mechanisms oc cur, leading to fine control of the film properties. Three different c omplexing agents for the Pb are discussed, and the unique characterist ics of the films obtained using each complexant described and explaine d. The combination of control of both complexant and deposition mechan ism results in films with very different structural properties in term s of crystallite size (3 nm to microns), macrostructure, presence of a n amorphous PbSe matrix, and the formation of a novel, rhombohedral fo rm of PbSe. A modified deposition technique, whereby a film of a basic lead carbonate is first chemically deposited and then converted by se lenosulfate solution to PbSe, is described.