Applied Physics Letters · 2012 · 267 citations · 13 references
Natural SciencesMaterials EngineeringMaterials ScienceCrystal StructureMaterials CharacterizationThin FilmsElectronic Material CharacterizationPhase AnalysisPhase IdentificationRaman SpectroscopySolar Cell MaterialsSolar CellsRaman Data AnalysisRaman SpectraRaman Spectral AssignmentRaman Spectral InterpretationSymmetry-adapted Vibrational ModesVibrational ModesVibrational SymmetryX-ray Diffraction Analysis
Secondary phases like Cu2SnS3 are major obstacles for kesterite thin film solar cell applications. We prepare Cu2SnS3 using identical annealing conditions as used for the kesterite films. By x-ray diffraction, the crystal structure of Cu2SnS3 was identified as monoclinic. Polarization-dependent Raman investigations allowed the identification of the dominant peaks at 290 cm−1 and 352 cm−1 with the main A′ symmetry vibrational modes from the monoclinic Cu2SnS3 phase. Furthermore, micro-resolved Raman investigations revealed local variations in the spectra that are attributed to a secondary phase (possibly Cu2Sn3S7). This exemplifies the abilities of micro-resolved Raman measurements in the detection of secondary phases.
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