Academia Open
Vol 10 No 1 (2025): June (In Progress)
Physics

Optimizing ZnO Thin Films for Light Absorption Using FDTD Simulation
Mengoptimalkan Film Tipis ZnO untuk Penyerapan Cahaya Menggunakan Simulasi FDTD


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  • Hadeel Abdalbari Hussein*
Hadeel Abdalbari Hussein
Ministry of Education General Directorate of Education in Najaf Governorate, Iraq *

(*) Corresponding Author
Picture in here are illustration from public domain image or provided by the author, as part of their works
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21070/acopen.10.2025.10795
Published April 9, 2025
Keywords
  • Zinc Oxide (ZnO),
  • Thin Films,
  • FDTD Simulation,
  • Optical Properties,
  • Photovoltaic Devices
How to Cite
Hussein, H. A. (2025). Optimizing ZnO Thin Films for Light Absorption Using FDTD Simulation. Academia Open, 10(1), 10.21070/acopen.10.2025.10795. https://doi.org/10.21070/acopen.10.2025.10795

Copyright (c) 2025 Hadeel Abdalbari Hussein

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

General Background: The development of efficient and cost-effective photovoltaic devices relies heavily on the optical performance of semiconductor materials. Specific Background: Zinc oxide (ZnO), a low-cost and abundant material, exhibits promising optical properties suitable for light absorption applications. Knowledge Gap: However, limited studies have simulated the impact of varying thickness and surface roughness on the optical behavior of ZnO membranes using advanced computational methods. Aims: This study aims to simulate and analyze the optical properties of three-dimensional ZnO thin films deposited on a glass substrate using the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method. Results: The simulation, conducted across wavelengths ranging from 300–800 nm, demonstrates that increasing the ZnO membrane’s thickness and surface roughness enhances light absorption and reduces reflectivity. Optimal performance was observed at a membrane thickness of 5.2 µm. Novelty: This research applies FDTD-based modeling to examine both flat and rough-surfaced ZnO membranes, providing a comprehensive understanding of light interaction in nanostructured layers. Implications: The findings contribute to the design of high-performance, low-cost optical and photovoltaic devices by optimizing ZnO film characteristics for maximum efficiency.

Highlights:

 

  1. Background: ZnO films have potential in low-cost photovoltaic applications.

  2. Method/Result: FDTD simulation shows thickness and roughness improve light absorption.

  3. Implication: Guides efficient ZnO-based optical device design.

Keyword : Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Thin Films, FDTD Simulation, Optical Properties, Photovoltaic Devices

 

 

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