Jordan Journal of Physics

Laser and Aluminum-Induced Crystallization of Amorphous Silicon Thin Films: Influence of Power Density and Layers Stacking Configuration

Adnan shariah, Ahmad Almasri — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract: This study examines the crystallization of sputtered amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin films in contact with aluminum thin films on Corning glass substrates under continuous-wave (CW) laser irradiation. The study reveals key factors that affect the transition from amorphous to polysilicon by varying laser power densities and exposure durations. The crystallinity was assessed by Raman spectroscopy, while the surface morphology and structural alterations were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrate that crystallization occurs beyond a certain threshold power density, with the creation of polysilicon being enhanced by increased laser intensity and longer exposure time. The results also show that the stacking order of silicon and aluminum layers directly affects crystallization behavior. This aspect has not been previously explored. These results improve understanding of laser-induced aluminum-mediated crystallization, which has implications for optoelectronic applications and thin-film technologies.

Landau Theory Analysis of Dielectric Properties of BiFeO3 Ferroelectric Thin Films

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract: The dielectric properties and phase transition behavior of BiFeO₃ (BFO) ferroelectric thin films are explored using Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire theory, accounting for polarization variation near the surfaces. The Euler-Lagrange (E-L) equation is numerically solved to model switching properties under an applied step electric field. Dielectric hysteresis loops are generated for various thicknesses and temperatures, revealing a critical thickness of 0.452 nm, revealing a critical thickness of 0.452 nm, which highlights BFO’s potential for nanoscale applications. The electric susceptibility is computed for several film thicknesses, showing a high value (~10⁴) near the transition temperature, even for a film thickness of 1 nm. At room temperature, the susceptibility increases as the film thickness decreases, reaching a value of 51.7 at 30 °C for the 1 nm film. These findings are consistent with experimental observations that report an average dielectric constant of approximately ~50 in a single BFO crystal. Additionally, at room temperature, the calculated average polarization for BFO films with thicknesses between 1 nm and 6 nm falls in the range 0.50–0.55 C/m², indicating a relatively high value compared with other ferroelectric materials.

Abundance Calculations of Neon Isotopes in the Predicted Lifetime of the Sun

Mohamed A. Alkhajeh, Mashhoor A. Al-Wardat, Awni M. Kasawneh, MOHAMMED TALAFHA — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract: The elemental abundances of neon isotopes provide valuable insights into stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis. In this study, we calculate the abundances of the isotopes ¹⁸Ne, ¹⁹Ne, ²⁰Ne, ²¹Ne, and ²²Ne across the five principal evolutionary phases of the Sun: hydrogen burning, lively old age, onset of rapid growth and red giant, helium-burning, and helium-exhaustion. The calculations were carried out using the open-source NucNet Tools package, developed by the Webnucleo Group at Clemson University. Initial isotope abundances were adopted from standard proto-solar compositions. Their evolution was computed under static hydrostatic burning conditions, assuming constant temperature and density within each phase. The results show that the stable isotopes ²⁰Ne and ²²Ne remain dominant throughout the Sun’s lifetime, whereas the short-lived isotopes ¹⁸Ne and ¹⁹Ne decay rapidly during or shortly after the hydrogen-burning phase. The predictions obtained for the helium burning and exhaustion phases provide quantitative neon-isotope abundances that are not extensively reported in the existing literature. These results offer valuable reference values for future studies of solar and stellar evolution, nucleosynthetic pathways, and isotopic modeling.

Fe-Sb Thin Films Obtained by Thermal Evaporation of Nanostructured Milled Powder: Investigation of Structural and Magnetic Properties

A. Hafs, T. Hafs, D. Berdjane — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract: Nanostructured Fe₉₀Sb₁₀ (wt.%) alloys were synthesized by mechanically alloying pure iron and antimony powders in a high-energy planetary ball mill. The milling duration was optimized to achieve a nanostructured mixture and form a supersaturated solid solution of α-Fe(Sb). Subsequently, thin films were fabricated through thermal evaporation (physical vapor deposition) under a vacuum of 2.1 × 10^-5 mbar, utilizing an electrically heated tungsten boat and the supersaturated solid solution α-Fe(Sb) powder obtained via mechanical alloying. The films were deposited on glass substrates. This study investigates the influence of milling time and film thickness on the structural and magnetic properties of Fe₉₀Sb₁₀ powders and thin films. Structural and magnetic characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The Fe(Sb) solid solution phase was identified after 12 hours of milling, with a particle size of approximately 18.16 nm with microstrain increasing to 0.19% after 36 hours. SEM analysis revealed a more homogeneous particle distribution as milling time increased. Furthermore, as the film thickness increased from 16 nm to 90 nm, a steady decrease was observed in the lattice parameter, accompanied by an increase in the average crystallite size from 5.9 nm to 16.8 nm and a slight increase in microstrain. In parallel, the coercive field dropped from 6.64 Oe to 3.05 Oe, suggesting improved magnetic softness in thicker films.

Keywords: Thin films, FeSb solid solution, Microstructure, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM).

Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon Nanoporous Matrix Enriched with Nickel Oxide and Silica Nanoparticles for Glucose Sensor Applications

F. Sayari, N. Ben Mansour, M. Hjiri, G. Neri, L. El Mir — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract: Nickel oxide (NiO) and silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles were incorporated into a carbon nanoporous matrix based on a pyrogallol-formaldehyde (PF) matrix via the sol-gel method. Various characterization techniques were performed to investigate the PF matrix, PF:NiO and PF/SiO₂:NiO nanocomposites. XRD patterns revealed broad peaks characteristic of amorphous SiO₂ and carbon phases characteristic of both amorphous SiO₂ and carbon phases along with three characteristic nickel (Ni) peaks in the two nanocomposites PF:NiO and PF/SiO₂:NiO. SEM images showed a significant number of particles covering the PF matrix surface in the PF/SiO₂:NiO nanocomposite. The TEM images confirmed the porous structure of the PF matrix, a uniform dispersion of Ni nanoparticles in the PF:NiO nanocomposite and notable nanoparticle agglomeration in the PF/SiO₂:NiO nanocomposite. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the sensitivity of the non-enzymatic glucose sensor increases with decreasing specific surface area. The electrical conductivity of the materials was found to depend on pore volume, decreasing as pore volume increased. The PF/SiO₂:NiO nanocomposite exhibited promising performance as a non-enzymatic glucose sensor with a sensitivity of 585 µA·mM⁻¹·cm⁻² and a low electrical conductivity of approximately 10⁻⁸ Ω⁻¹·cm⁻¹.

Keywords: Carbon nanoporous matrix, Nanocomposites, Nickel oxide, Silica, Non-enzymatic glucose sensor, Electrical conductivity.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Activity of Dy2O3/Mn Nanostructures

Malek Madani — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract: The goal of this study is to synthesize and characterize manganese-doped Dy₂O₃ (Dy₂O₃/Mn) nanostructures for catalytic applications. To create materials with optimized morphological and structural properties, a low-cost hydrothermal route was used. Before being characterized, Dy₂O₃/Mn nanostructures were annealed at 500 °C. XRD measurements revealed that sample has a cubic phase structure, with a crystallite size of 37.7 nm. SEM and EDS techniques were used to examine the morphology and chemical composition, and the efficiency of the synthesis route was confirmed. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy confirmed our samples' absorption in the visible region, and the band gap energy was found to be around 2.87 eV. Methylene blue (MB) dye was used to investigate the photocatalytic activity of Dy₂O₃/Mn nanostructures under visible light. Over six hours, a significant degradation efficiency was observed, with a degradation rate over 80%.

Keywords: Hydrothermal, Dy₂O₃/Mn, Optical properties, Methylene blue, Photocatalysis.

Influence of Gallium Doping on the Electrical Performance of P3HT Thin-film Transistors Enriched by ZnO Nanoparticles

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract: In the present work, p-type organic field-effect transistors based on poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) enriched by gallium doped-zinc oxide (GZO) nanoparticle thin films as the active layer were fabricated using the sol-gel technique coupled with spin-coating method and characterized using various techniques. The morphology of the thin films was analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques, and their optical properties were investigated using the UV-Vis-IR spectroscopy technique. In order to investigate the effect of Ga doping concentration on the electrical performances of the organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) based on P3HT:GZO thin films, the current-voltage (I-V) measurements were carried out in the dark and in daylight using a Keithley 2612B Source Meter. The results demonstrate the ability to control both threshold voltage (V_th) and hysteresis by adjusting the Ga doping concentration within the active layer of the transistor devices. Moreover, the fabricated OTFT-P3HT:GZO devices exhibited significantly high performance, achieving a current ratio (I_on/I_off) of 3.5 × 10³ with 1% Ga loading and demonstrating a 100-fold enhancement in field-effect saturation mobility (μ_sat) with 3% Ga loading, thereby showcasing their promising potential in a variety of practical applications, including cost-effective photodetectors and sensors.

Keywords: ZnO:Ga nanoparticles, P-type OTFT-P3HT:GZO, Gallium loading effect, Electrical properties, OTFT device performance.

Structural, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of (Ca, V) Co-doped ZnO Nanopowder Prepared by a Modified Sol-gel Technique

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract: (Ca,V) co-doping effects on the structural, optical, and magnetic properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were explored. The nanoparticles were synthesized via a modified sol-gel route. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the hexagonal polycrystalline wurtzite phase. No segregated secondary phases or Ca/V-rich clusters were detected. Morphological observations were carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). EDS analysis revealed the existence of all elements in all the regions of the sample. TEM images show an almost prismatic cylindrical shape of the nanoparticles. Optical studies carried out by UV-Vis spectroscopy indicated a decrease in the value of the band gap after (Ca,V) incorporation. Magnetic measurements reveal a clear hysteresis showing the ferromagnetic behavior of this kind of material. These results are very promising for many technological applications such as hyperthermia, gas sensors, and optoelectronics.

Keywords: (Ca,V) co-doped zinc oxide, Nanoparticles, Sol-gel technique, Photoluminescence, Magnetic properties.

Optical Analysis of Co-doped ZnO Thin Films Based on Nanoparticles

N. Khlifi, O. Toulemonde, N. Ihzaz, M. N. Bessadok, M. Nouiri, L. El Mir — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract: The effect of cobalt doping with a concentration of 3 at. % on the structural and optical properties of ZnO oxide nanoparticles (NPs) prepared via a modified sol-gel method was investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis using Rietveld refinement confirms the hexagonal wurtzite ZnO phase nanostructure belonging to P63mc space group. No segregated secondary phases or Co-rich clusters were detected. In the second step, the obtained powders were deposited on a Suprasil glass substrate by the pulsed laser deposition technique. X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement confirms that the thin film exhibits an intense (002) XRD peak, indicating that it has a c-axis-preferred orientation. Raman studies confirm the crystalline nature of Co-doped ZnO thin films and nanoparticles. The combination of these two synthesis techniques demonstrates the potential of the protocol for the deposition of thin layers with adjusted properties.

Keywords: Nanoparticles, Thin film, Pulsed laser deposition technique, Gap energy, Raman spectra.

Structural and Optical Properties of Calcium-doped Zinc Oxide Thin Film Deposited by the PLD Method

I. H. Mejri, J. P. B. Silva, M. Nouiri, A. Bouloufa, Z. Ben Ayadi, L. El Mir — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract: A sample of calcium-doped zinc oxide (CZO) thin films of varying thicknesses were prepared by the pulsed laser deposition technique (PLD) on glass substrates. The film samples were grown at constant oxygen pressure. The pulsed laser deposition target used was Ca-doped zinc oxide 3 at. % nanopowder synthesised by a modiﬁed sol-gel process. The structural, morphological and optical properties of the CZO thin ﬁlm were studied. From the X-ray diffraction analysis, the orientation of Ca-doped zinc oxide thin ﬁlms was found to be along the c-axis, displaying only a (002) diffraction peak. The X-ray diffraction spectra revealed that the crystalline quality of the ﬁlm was enhanced and grain size grew by increasing the film thickness. Cross-sectional microscopy images show the formation of columnar structure in the obtained thin ﬁlm with low surface roughness when the film thickness increases. CZO thin film is highly transparent in the visible wavelength region with a transmittance higher than 90% for the lowest thickness. The calculated optical band gap is approximately 3.4 eV. The obtained results revealed that our samples are promising as transparent conducting oxide layers in many technological applications.

Keywords: Ca-doped ZnO nanoparticles, Sol-gel, PLD, Thin films, Optical properties.