Abstract
Present work reported the development of PbS nanostructured thin films with different (0.0, 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 wt %) novel Nd doping concentrations via spray pyrolysis method. Structural parameters of films were calculated from X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Raman spectroscopy showed 131.73 cm−1 and 427.90 cm−1 characteristics vibrational mode of PbS. Grain shapes and size of films were analysed from SEM micrographs and showed compact morphology of films and well-covered substrate. The optical band gaps of films were found in order of 1.38–1.77 eV. Absorption index (k), refractive index (n), optical dielectric constant and optical conductivity were calculated and correlated with Nd doping concentrations. In addition, nonlinear optics of films also were examined as a function of Nd doping concentrations. The χ(3) and n2 values were found in order of ∼1.55 × 10−10-1.27 × 10−8 esu and 1.34 × 10−9-7.8 × 10−8 esu; respectively. Films possess better opto-nonlinear properties hence may be used in optoelectronics.
•Improved optical properties was observed on Nd incorporation in PbS system.•A noticeable enhancement in PbS thin films emission properties..•Improvement in third order nonlinear optical parameters with Nd incorporation in PbS.