Study of the elastic properties of sprayed SnO2 and SnS2 layers

SnO2 and SnS2 thin films have been prepared by the spray pyrolysis techniqu e for photovoltaic application purposes and characterized by high-frequency acoustic microscopy (570 MHz). The surface acoustic images reveal contrast s explained by differences in topography according to atomic force microsco py studies. The acoustic signature V(z) of the systems layer/substrate were modelled and refined to fit with the experimental V(z). The acoustic param eters of the layers were calculated using the results of the final simulati on. The values of Young's modulus deduced from the acoustic parameters, 401 and 56 GPa for SnO2 and SnS2, respectively, are discussed in relation with the chemical structure and bonding involved.