Optical properties of Pb (Zr_0.52Ti_0.48) O₃/BiFeO₃ multilayers with ZnO buffer layer

Abstract

This paper discussed about the optical properties of the PZT–BFO multilayer thin films, deposited with or without ZnO buffer layer. The elemental distribution of the PZT and BFO layers is found to vary across the thickness of the multilayer films. Raman spectroscopy measurement of both the multilayers samples has showed no sharp peaks due to the polycrystalline nature of the films and partial overlap of the Raman peaks of individual PZT and BFO layers. Photoluminescence study of the buffered film showed peaks at 400, 525, and 580 nm, whereas the un-buffered film showed PL peaks at 405 and 530 nm. The peak at 580 nm appears to be due to the ZnO buffer layer. The ZnO-buffered thin film shows more intense Raman and photoluminescence peaks compared with the thin film with no buffer. The absorption spectra of the PZT–BFO multilayers under the mid-IR radiations showed a sharp peak at 690 cm⁻¹ in both the samples. It might be due to the structural rearrangement of the BO₆ and AO₁₂ units resulting in perovskite phase (ABO₃) formation.