Optical Constants Research Articles

Temperature-modulated acetone monitoring using Al2O3-coated evanescent wave fiber optic sensors

This paper presents an experimental study of a fiber-optic-based acetone sensor and its temperature effects for use as a breath analyzer to detect acetone in exhaled breath. The study employs fiber optic evanescent wave-based acetone sensing, utilizing sputter coated Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3)-coated probes fabricated via clad modification technique. The optical fibers were coated with Al2O3 to achieve thicknesses of 247.03 nm, 334.05 nm, and 468.75 nm. The sensor probes were characterized using, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy, and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry for uniformity, elemental, optical constants, and thickness of the Al2O3. The spectral responses of the probes were analyzed for acetone concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 ppm, with temperature modulation from room temperature to 100 °C. The probe with a ∼334 nm thick Al2O3 coating exhibited the highest response, reaching 6.2 % at 100 °C in 100 ppm acetone. Linear regression revealed that the ∼334 nm coated probe had the highest sensitivity at 5.98 counts/ppm. The sensor showed response and recovery times of approximately 12 and 17 seconds, respectively. This study underscores the stability and repeatability of temperature-modulated Al2O3-coated fiber optic sensors for selective acetone detection in various non-invasive applications.

Diode Laser Irradiation Effects on Physical Properties of Titanium Dioxide Nano Fillers Doped Polyvinyl Alcohol Films

Study effect of diode laser (wavelength 650 nm) irradiation for different irradiant times (0.25, 0.5, 1.00, 3.00, and 4.00 hrs) on the physical properties of titanium dioxide (TiO2) possess particle size of 15.7 nm doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films were experimentally investigated. The solution casting process has been utilized to create as-prepared TiO2/PVA nanocomposite films. Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy investigates the samples' optical characteristics by analyzing optical absorption spectra in a wavelength range of (200 - 900 nm) at room temperature (RT) of 300 K. The PVA matrix could be used to describe the influence. All optical constants produced artificially through laser radiation, like absorption, refraction index, extinction coefficient and complex dielectric constants, have decreased with increasing radiation times. On the contrary of optical energy gap they increased with increasing radiation times, according to the study's findings. TiO2 Nanoparticles (NPs) additions significantly impacted the PVA host's optical characteristics. When FTIR-spectrum regarding the TiO2/PVA nanocomposite films was examined in various ratios of irradiation times, the peak positions or bonds did not change; instead, they became smaller or larger as the irradiation time increased.

Synthesis, Optical, Electrical, Fluorescence, Dielectric, Thermal, and Mechanical Characterization of 3-Aminopyridine (Scaffold in Drugs) Single Crystal

Objectives: To screen the optical, electrical, fluorescence, dielectric, thermal, and mechanical behavior of the 3-aminopyridine single crystal for its suitability in optoelectronic applications. Methods: A good single crystal of 3-aminopyridine (3-AP) was grown by the slow evaporation method. Findings: The lattice parameters of the grown crystal were determined using a single crystal X-ray diffractometer as, a = 6.184 (4) Å, b = 15.350 (6) Å, c = 5.361 (7) Å and the required functional groups C-N, NH2 bonds of 3-AP were recognized by the FTIR studies. The grown crystal was screened using the UV-Vis-NIR spectrum to understand the transmission and absorption character of the crystal. The various optical constants such as absorption coefficient, optical conductivity, and electrical conductivity of the crystal have been determined from the UV-Vis transmission plot. The lower cut-off wavelength of the 3-AP crystal was observed at 250 nm. The band gap of the grown crystal is found to be 4.5 eV. The emission property of the crystal was studied using fluorescence spectra. Violet, blue, and red emissions are observed from the fluorescence spectra. Thermal screening of the 3-AP crystal was performed using TGA and DTA. The 3-AP crystal remains stable up to 220 ºC and then the crystal begins to decompose up to 260 ºC due to the loss of the -NH2 group of the 3-aminopyridine. The Vickers hardness test revealed the nature of the material as soft type with Meyer’s index (n) of 2. The electronic polarization behavior of the crystal was examined using the dielectric study. Novelty: The lower cut-off wavelength of 250 nm, wide band gap of 4.5 eV, excellent transparency in the entire visible and near-infrared region, violet, blue, and red emission by the material are the distinguishing and mandatory features for optoelectronic applications. These features are good as compared to the 3-AP derivatives reported earlier. Keywords: Unit cell, Absorption, Emission, Conductivity, Strength, Loss

MAX phase borides, the potential alternative of well-known MAX phase carbides: A case study of V2AB [A = Ge, P, Tl, Zn] via DFT method

This study predicted four new MAX phase borides via the DFT method, with a comprehensive and thorough approach. The stability of the predicted phases has been thoroughly studied using formation energy, phonon dispersion curve (PDC), and elastic constants (Cij). The metallic nature of the studied phases is confirmed through the computation of the electronic band structure and density of states (DOS). Their bonding nature is disclosed using the partial density of states, Mulliken population analysis, and charge density mapping. The mechanical behavior is investigated in depth by calculating elastic constants, elastic moduli, Poisson's & Pugh ratio, machinability index, and Vickers hardness. Different anisotropic indices are also computed to demonstrate the elastic anisotropy. The Debye temperature (ΘD), Grüneisen parameter (γ), phonon thermal conductivity (kph), minimum thermal conductivity (kmin), thermal expansion coefficient (TEC), and melting temperature (Tm) are all calculated, and the suitability of the studied phases as thermal barrier coating (TBC) materials has been discussed. Finally, the optical constants are calculated and analyzed, further certifying the metallic nature of the herein-studied phases. The reflectivity spectra of all the herein selected compounds reveal their potential as coating materials to lessen solar heating. Among the studied phases, V2PB exhibits the best thermo-mechanical properties for potential applications in diverse fields, such as structural components and TBC materials. The potential applications of our findings are vast, and the obtained results reveal that the predicted phases are indeed potential alternatives to their counterpart carbides.

Optical transmission, dielectric constants, and gamma shielding performance of Se95-xIn5Prx metallic alloys: Radiation protection applications

Due to the high density of metals, metallic materials such as alloys have the potential to have high gamma-radiation-absorbing abilities. This would make them relevant in a radiation environment as either a shielding material or a radiation sensor. These would, however, depend on their gamma radiation responses. Research aimed at evaluating the gamma response parameters of different glassy alloys that have technical applications is scarce compared to the traditional characterization with respect to optical features, structural evolution, and mechanical strength. In this paper, the optical and radiation shielding abilities of Se95-xIn5Prx (x = 2, 4, and 6) glassy alloys were investigated using standard theoretical techniques. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of the materials was computed using the XCOM software. Reflection loss values are 0.20218, 0.22634, and 0.22908 for SIPr1, SIPr2, and SIPr3, respectively, while the optical transmittance values are 0.66365, 0.63087, and 0.62723 in the same order. The metallization criterion declined when Pr increased in the alloy. The values of MAC ranged from 0.0317 cm2/g to 98.2099 cm2/g for SIPr1, 0.0319 cm2/g to 97.3798 cm2/g for SIPr2 and 0.0322 cm2/g to 96.5372 cm2/g for SIPr3. The Higher attenuation and absorption coefficients were found for Pr-rich alloys. Pr therefore increase the ability of the SIPr-alloy to attenuate and absorb photon energy. The optical parameters of the investigated alloys could be used to identify their optical applications. SIPr3 had comparatively higher shielding ability compared to some known shields and could thus be used for radiation control and protection purposes.

Cu role in the optical constants of Cu2x Ge40−x S60−x films for optoelectronics and photovoltaic applications

Physical characteristics of ternary glasses based on sulphur, are the main topic of the investigation. Cu2xGe40−xS60−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 8 at. %) chalcogenides was fabricated using the conventional melt-quench method. With an increase in Cu-concentration, the glass's density (ρ) increased but the molar volume (Vm) decreased. Transmittance and reflection measurements of the films were made over 0.35–2.5 µm spectral-range. The estimated envelopes (RM, Rm) of the reflection spectrum might be used to determine the complex refractive index and the film thickness. With increasing Cu-concentrations, the refractive index (n) increased while the optical gap (Eg) decreased. Cu-concentrations affects the film's nonlinear refractive index (n2), 3ed-susceptibility (χ(3)) and nonlinear absorption coefficient (χa) were investigated. In Cu2xGe40−xS60−x system, the n2, χ(3), and χa values increase with the Cu-additions. Finally, the films analyzed here exhibit interesting properties for application in various optical devices.

The Investigation of Structural, Optical and Thermal Properties of Nickel Doped CeO2 Integrated PVC Nanocomposite.

PVC nanocomposite (NC) films with cubic CeO2 and Ni-doped CeO2 (NDC) have been prepared using a conventional solution-casting technique. The prepared films were characterized with FT-IR spectrometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optical and thermal properties of the films were evaluated using a UV-visible spectrophotometer and TGA/DSC. The optical study revealed a decrease in optical band gap energies (4.19 to 4.06 eV) whereas the increase in other optical constraints such as optical conductivity, Urbach energy, dispersion energy, refractive index, and dielectric constant of PVC NCs than pristine PVC was observed. The XRD patterns showed the presence of cubic crystalline NDC with a relatively narrower principal diffraction peak in the PVC matrix and the nonexistence of unexpected vibrational peaks in the FTIR spectra of PVC NCs confirmed the successful incorporation of nanostructured CeO2 and NDC into PVC. Thermogravimetric analysis showed the higher thermal stability of NDC/PVC NC than PVC whereas differential scanning calorimetry declared no significant change in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the NCs. Moreover, a good dispersion of Ni-doped CeO2 nanofiller was noticed in scanning electron micrographs.

Structural and Optical Properties of SnS2:Cu Thin films prepared by chemical Spbay Pyrolysis

Thin filis have been prepared from the tin disulphide (SnS2 ), the pure and the doped with copper (SnS2:Cu) with a percentages (1,2,3,4)% by using ahemical spray pyrolysis techniqee on substrate of glass heated up to(603K)and sith thicknesses (0.7±0.02)?m ,after that the films were treated thermally with a low pressure (10-3mb) and at a temperature of (473K) for one hour. The influence of both doping with copper and the thermal treatment on some of the physical characteristics of the prepared films(structural and optical) was studied. The X-ray analysis showed that the prepared films were polycrystalline Hexagonal type. The optical study that included the absorptance and transmitance spectra in the weavelength range (300-900)nm demonstrated that the value of absorption coefficient (?) was greater than (104 cm-1) for the pure and doped films and that the electronic transitions at the fundamental absorption edge were of the indirect kind whether allowed or forbidden and the value of the optical energy gap in the case of the indirect transition, the allowed decreased from (2 eV) to (1.8,1.7,1.5,1.2)eV at the doping percentages (1,2,3,4)% respectively, also it was found that the value of energy gap for the pure and doped films increased after annealing. Tthe absorption and transmission spectra were used to find the optical constant including refractive index(n), extinction coefficient (k), imaginary and real part of dielectric constant (?1 &?2) , and it was found that all the optical constant was affected by changing the doping percentages; in addition to being affected after treating the films thermally

Direct extraction of optical constants of organic semiconductors in ultrastrongly coupled microcavities and their application in antireflection design for polariton devices

The strongly bound Frenkel excitons in organic semiconductors enable strong or even ultrastrong exciton-photon coupling in room-temperature cavities, with the resulting polariton states typically resolved through reflectance measurements. This paper demonstrates that the distinct features of exciton and polariton modes in the reflectance spectra of strongly/ultrastrongly coupled organic microcavities can be effectively utilized to extract the optical constants and physical thickness of the embedded organic semiconductor. We investigate metal-clad microcavities based on two prototype conjugated polymers, poly[2-methoxy-5-(3,7-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), both exhibiting ultrastrong coupling characteristics. The (n,k) spectra and thickness of these polymer films are determined by fitting the normal incidence reflectance spectra of organic microcavities, using Kramers-Kronig transformation and transfer-matrix calculations with varying optical and thickness parameters. We also examine the individual effects of the main fitting parameters on the spectrum, establishing a close correlation with the underlying polariton properties. Moreover, we analyze the optical admittance at exciton and polariton modes to understand reflectance variations with different parameters, which facilitates precise control of optical properties at specific modes through cavity design. Finally, using the extracted optical constants of MDMO-PPV and P3HT, we propose optimized microcavity designs that exhibit antireflection at the lower polariton mode for potential luminescence and photodetection device applications.

Effect of substitutional Sb doping on the structural stability, half-metallicity, elastic properties, electronic properties, and magnetism of the Co₂MnSn full Heusler compound

We conducted Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method to modify the Fermi level by introducing Sb doping into Co2MnSn.This was done through the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) and modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ-GGA) formalisms to enhance spin polarization and suggest signs of half-metallicity. For both ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases, lattice optimization was performed to identify the stable magnetic structure. The results designate that the doped alloys are stable in a ferromagnetic phase with L21 structure. The calculated elastic constants suggest that the doped alloys meet the criteria for mechanical stability. The magnetism in these compounds is primarily due to the localized moments on the Mn and Co atoms. According to mBJ-GGA calculations, the total magnetic moment slightly increases with Sb doping. Analysis of the optical constants revealed the optoelectronic properties, confirming semiconducting behavior. Doping elements to achieve half-metallicity is demonstrated to be an effective method for discovering new materials suitable for spintronics applications.

In-situ monitoring of tungsten oxides reduction during deuterium plasma exposure by spectroscopic ellipsometry

In this work, we investigate the optical properties variation of thermally grown W oxides during the exposure to low energy deuterium (D) plasma. In-situ ellipsometry in the 400–1000 nm range was coupled to ex-situ diagnostics, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and focused ion beam coupled to scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), to probe the evolution of chemical and morphological properties of the W oxides. First, a 70 nm thick WO3 layer was exposed to D plasma at a surface temperature of 650 K. An important reduction of the oxide layer was observed by FIB-SEM, and in-situ ellipsometry showed the evolution of the optical constants n and k of the oxide towards the ones of pure W metal. Secondly, a 300 nm thick WO3 layer was exposed to D plasma at a surface temperature below 373 K. In order to follow the oxide evolution step by step, we alternated in-situ ellipsometry and XPS surface characterization. A quite similar evolution of the optical constants was observed, in particular an increase of the extinction coefficient k in the near infrared, which was linked to a progressive reduction of the oxidation level at the surface, as seen by XPS. Interestingly, the reduction of the oxide at 373 K was below the resolution of the FIB-SEM. This observation indicates that ellipsometry in the 400–1000 nm range is able to follow in-situ the reduction of WO3 oxides by D plasma with high surface sensitivity.

Effects of ultraviolet sterilization exposure on the structural and surface properties of graphite-/polymer-like carbon films

Existing research on the biological responses of amorphous carbon films has not adequately explored the influences of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) sterilization at 253.7 nm before cell culture. Thus, in this study, two types of amorphous carbon films, namely hydrogen-rich graphite-like carbon (GLC) and hydrogen-free polymer-like carbon (PLC) films, were deposited on Si substrates. The influences of different doses of UV sterilization exposure (at 253.7 nm) on the structures and surface properties of the amorphous carbon films were investigated. Spectroscopic ellipsometry and Raman analysis showed that there is no significant change in the optical constants and Raman spectra of GLC and PLC films. The surface properties of the amorphous carbon films, characterized by water contact angle measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, indicated that both types of films exhibited hydrophilicity and surface oxidation in response to UV sterilization. However, the effects of UV sterilization on PLC were more notable than those on GLC. Our findings highlight the need for standardization and optimization of UV sterilization conditions for specific films to promote the application of amorphous carbon film coatings in the medical domain.

Optical parameters of PANI.CSA/PMMA nanofibers

Abstract Polyaniline doped with camphor sulphonic/Poly(methyl methacrylate) PANI.CSA/PMMA nanofibers were manufactured by electrospinning technology, where all parameters of the electrospinning system are fixed and the effect of the needle gauge on the properties of the prepared nanofibers is studied at different needle gauge (18, 20, 23 G). The polyaniline was manufactured by aniline-chemical oxidation polymerization. The nanofibers were diagnosed by an FE-SEM scanner to identify the surface morphology of the samples and the diameters of the nanofibers, it shows that nanofibers become more regular and their diameters become smaller as the diameter of the needle decreases. The samples were measured by the analysis of UV-visible spectroscopy, identifying the optical properties of the nanofibers and calculating the energy gap, which was valued ranging from 2.8 eV to 3.2 eV, increased due to the phenomenon of the quantitative restriction. Absorption coefficient and optical constants were also studied as a function of needle gauge.

A Comparative Study of the Linear/Nonlinear Optical, and Dielectric Properties of PVA/CMC/(1−x)ZnWO4−xPbS Blended Polymers for Optoelectronic Applications

An analysis was conducted on the optical, structural, and dielectric characteristics of PVA/CMC/(1−x)ZnWO4/xPbS blends. The structures of the filler samples, undoped, and doped blends were examined using X-ray diffraction. The crystallite sizes of the various phases in the filler samples are affected by the amount of PbS in the nanocomposite. The morphologies of different blends were explored using scanning electron microscopy. The doped blend exhibited superior absorption of Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) types in addition to the visible spectrum. The optical band gaps were minimized to (5.37, 5.56, 4.11) and (4.76, 3.14, 2.92) eV for direct and indirect optical transitions, respectively, when the PVP/CMC doped with nanocomposite had 10% PbS. The highest refractive index, optical dielectric constant,and nonlinear optical parameter values were achieved when the blend was loaded with ZnWO4 only while the highest optical conductivity was obtained as the blend contained 15% PbS. The highest fluorescence intensity was observed when the fillers did not contain PbS, and it decreased as the concentration of PbS in the filler increased.

Flexible poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)/copper oxide nanocomposites: A promising avenue for energy storage applications

The use of metal oxide nanoparticles in polymeric materials to improve optical properties, dielectric constant, mechanical strength, and electrical conductivity has generated significant interest in fabricating flexible optoelectronic and energy storage devices. Herein, copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticle-reinforced poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) nanocomposites were prepared using a solvent-free two roll mill mixing method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis reveals the distinct absorption peaks of CuO in the EVA matrix. The addition of CuO nanoparticles improved the crystallinity of EVA, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The addition of CuO to EVA led to an increase in the refractive index and a decrease in bandgap energy, as well as a broadening and intensification of UV–visible absorption, indicating strong interactions between CuO nanoparticles and the EVA matrix. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) revealed a homogeneous dispersion of CuO nanoparticles throughout the EVA matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that the incorporation of CuO nanoparticles into EVA significantly enhanced its thermal properties. The electrical characteristics studies showed that the AC conductivity and dielectric constant of EVA increased significantly with increasing temperatures and CuO nanoparticle loading levels. EVA containing 5 wt% CuO exhibited the highest conductivity and the lowest activation energy. CuO nanoparticle reinforcement significantly enhanced the tensile, tear, and impact strength of EVA while reducing elongation at break up to a particular concentration. The nanocomposites containing 5 wt% CuO exhibited the highest tensile, tear resistance, and impact strengths, outperforming virgin EVA by 85 %, 103.6 %, and 83.16 %, respectively. These findings suggest that EVA/CuO nanocomposites are promising candidates for flexible dielectric materials.

The electronic and optical properties of group III-V semiconductors: Arsenides and antimonides

Investigating the structural, electronic, and optical properties of zinc-blende III-V semiconductors, particularly arsenides, and antimonides, which are crucial for optoelectronic devices such as transistors, infrared detectors, and quantum technologies due to their wide range of direct bandgaps. In this work, we have employed a first-principles approach integrating G0W0 with the HSE06 hybrid functional and spin–orbit coupling (SOC) to study their fundamental properties. Traditional Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods, particularly those using Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) PBE functionals, tend to underestimate bandgaps, leading to discrepancies with experimental results. To address this, our study corrects the bandgap underestimation and refines the calculation of optical constants, including the dielectric function, refractive index, extinction coefficient, and absorption coefficient. Moreover, the optimized lattice constants and electronic properties derived from our computational model strongly correlate with experimental data, demonstrating the model’s reliability in predicting material properties. The findings suggest that our methods can be applied to arsenides and antimonides, offering a pathway to designing materials with optoelectronic properties involving III-V compounds and their complex heterostructures for advanced device applications.

Effect of Laser Irradiation with 532 nm Wavelength on The Optical Properties of PVA/MR Solutions

Background: This work aims to study the impact of 532 nm laser irradiating on the optical properties of the Polyvinyl alcohol/ Methyl Red (PVA/MR) solution before and after laser irradiation 32mW with various times (0, 20, 30 and 40) minutes. Materials and Methods: The polymer (PVA) powder 500 mg was dissolved in 50 ml distilled water at temperature 80 ˚C and the methyl red (MR) 30 mg was dissolved in 10 ml at temperature 80 ˚C using solution dilution formula . A semiconductor laser with a wavelength of 532 nanometers was used to irradiate the solution. Results: The absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance spectrum of solution prior to and following laser irradiation were recorded. Then, the optical constants and energy gap were calculated. Conclusions: The irradiation with the 532nm laser leads to a break of the bonds (From the absorbance spectrum, it decreases as the irradiation time increases. This indicates the breaking of bonds.) that results in an increase in the transmittance spectrum, and the energy gap.

Analysis of solar absorption, degradation mechanism and thermal stability in air environments for SS/TiB2/Al2O3 spectrally selective absorber coating

The quest for high solar-thermal conversion efficiency and thermal stability is a significant challenge in the development of high-efficiency spectrally selectivity absorber coatings. A key aspect of this challenge is the creation of air-stabilized coatings, particularly crucial for scenarios involving unexpected vacuum loss or applications of concentrating solar power systems in air environments. In our study, TiB2 films own excellent spectral selectivity and thermal stability at air environment. In pursuit of revealing the absorption mechanism of the coating, the optical constants, absoption and transmission of the single TiB2 layer were measured. The result of analysis display that the TiB2 layer contribute the bulk of the sunlight absorption. Reflectance spectra of the SS/TiB2/Al2O3 coating was succeeding simulated by CODE software with the optical constant to fit the experimental spectra, which confirms the results obtained by spectroscopic ellipsometry. The solar-thermal conversion efficiency of the as-deposited coating could reach 88.9 % of 100 suns at 500 °C. After annealing at 300–500 °C, the absorbance and emittance of the coating change slightly. But after annealing at 600 °C, the changing surface morphology, increasing surface roughness, and oxidation reaction of TiB2 resulted in a decrease in the optical performance of the coating.

Enhancing the optical and dielectric constants of Cu-Ge-S films for solar cell windows

Enhancing the optical and dielectric constants of Cu-Ge-S films for solar cell windows

Analysis of pulsed direct current reactive magnetron sputtering on a silicon target

Reactive sputtering is a very useful technique, particularly, for producing inhomogeneous interference filters, where the refractive index changes smoothly during deposition. In such a context, precise control of deposition parameters is crucial for replicating the desired optical properties. This study employed a pulsed DC power source to investigate the influence of a duty cycle on target poisoning, sputtering plasma characteristics, electric signals, and optical and morphological properties of synthesized films. Reactive pulsed DC magnetron sputtering was characterized by analyzing the behavior of plasma emission via optical emission spectroscopy and voltage-current signals, while modulating parameters such as the oxygen content within the vacuum chamber. A set of thin films was coated on glass substrates under different system conditions. These films underwent characterization employing spectroscopic ellipsometry to ascertain their optical constants, atomic force microscopy for surface morphology analysis, and x-ray diffraction for the determination of crystalline structures. The results indicate that longer duty cycles required higher oxygen levels to poison the target. Additionally, a detailed analysis of electrical signals revealed nonsquare waveforms, whose characteristics were influenced by both the duty cycle and the oxygen content within the sputtering chamber, resulting in higher effective voltages during the on-time of the voltage pulse. Grown films via reactive pulsed DC magnetron sputtering were also compared to films grown via conventional DC magnetron sputtering at equivalent conditions of target poisoning.