@article{Shaheen_AL-Taii_2024, title={Optical properties of ZnO thin films under impact of alpha particles}, url={https://oiccpress.com/journal-of-theoretical-and-applied-physics/article/optical-properties-of-zno-thin-films-under-impact-of-alpha-particles/}, DOI={10.57647/j.jtap.2024.si-AICIS23.16}, abstractNote={This paper investigates the impact of alpha particle irradiation on the optical characteristics of zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films, which were produced using various concentrations. A zinc oxide thin film was fabricated using the chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique, and glass was selected as the substrate material. A 5 MeV alpha particle beam was emitted during the irradiation process, created by a 241-Americium source. The optical properties of ZnO films within the wavelength range of 200 to 800 nm was measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum exhibits a distinct peak at 490 cm−1,  characteristic of zinc oxide (ZnO). Increasing the duration of alpha particle irradiation leads to a significant increase in intensity while causing only a slight alteration in the peak at 2500 cm−1. Optical measurement revealed a decrease in the direct energy band gaps as the radiation doses increased. This trend was observed for  different durations 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 minutes and across various concentrations 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 M. The energy band gaps ranged from (3.48 -  3.12) eV, (3.02 - 2.61) eV, (3.25 - 2.84) eV, (3.01 - 2.69) eV, (2.65 - 2.32) eV. Similarly, the band gaps diminish as the irradiation doses increase at various durations and concentrations. Additionally, the energy is likewise characterized as indirect. The energy ranges are as follows: (3.74 – 3.52) eV, (3.63 – 3.37) eV, (3.58 – 3.26) eV, (3.49 – 3.25) eV, (3.47 – 3.20) eV, and (3.42 – 3.20) eV. Our research revealed that the most favorable and smallest direct energy gap value ranges from 2.65 to 2.32 eV, while the indirect energy gap value ranges from 3.42 to 3.20 eV. These optimal values were seen at a concentration of 0.5 M, and the ideal irradiation time was determined to be 100 minutes. The energy gap for direct and indirect transitions can be reduced by increasing the concentration of alpha particle irradiation during the growth of ZnO nanotubes using the CBD method. These nanotubes have potential use in nano-photodetectors.}, journal={Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics}, publisher={OICC Press}, author={Shaheen, Heba Noor and AL-Taii, Hassan M. Jaber}, year={2024}, month={Jul.}, keywords={Band gap, Ftir, CBD, ZnO thin films, Alpha particles} }