Impact of degenerate n-doping on the optical absorption edge in transparent conducting cadmium oxide

In order to facilitate the development of next-generation display devices or modern solar cells, material performance is critically important. A combination of high transparency in the optical spectral range and high electrical conductivity under ambient conditions is attractive, if not crucial, for many applications. While the doping-induced presence of free electrons in the conduction bands of CdO can increase the conductivity up to values desired for technological applications, it is, however, expected to impact the optical properties at the same time. More specifically, variations of the band gap, effective electron mass, and optical-absorption onset have been reported. In this work recent results from modern theoretical spectroscopy techniques are compared to experimental values for the optical band gap in order to discuss the different effects that are relevant for an accurate understanding of the absorption edge in the presence of free electrons with different concentrations.

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