Modulation of microstructure and magnetic properties of Sr-doped CdO films

Pure and Sr ²⁺ -doped CdO (SCO) thin films were deposited on glass substrates by the spray technique using perfume atomiser. The effect of Sr doping concentration on the structural, morphological, optical and magnetic properties was studied and the results obtained are reported in this paper. Pure and Sr-doped CdO thin films exhibit a strong (1 1 1) preferential growth. Nanosized grains are evinced from the TEM images for all the samples. Increased transparency and band gap bowing are observed for the doped films. All the films have an electrical resistivity in the order of 10 ⁻² ohm cm. Photoluminescence studies confirm the presence of intrinsic defects on the films. Defects mediated ferromagnetic behaviour is observed for the doped films. The obtained results infer that Sr doping strongly influenced the physical properties of spray deposited CdO thin films.