article · Results in Optics
Determining the optical bandgap energy of semiconductors using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy typically relies on the conventional Tauc method, which plots specific absorption data against photon energy. Despite this standard, unconventional variations of the plot frequently appear across scientific literature, prompting questions regarding their reliability. An evaluation of these alternative techniques investigated whether they yield accurate bandgap measurements compared to the established approach. The findings show that plots using alternative formulations of absorption coefficients and absorbance against photon energy produce values consistent with the standard Tauc plot. Conversely, other tested variations, such as those relying on alternative reflectance functions, failed to deliver accurate results. Clarifying which computational methods yield valid bandgap estimations helps standardise data interpretation across semiconductor spectroscopy.
Accurate bandgap measurement is vital for understanding how semiconductor materials absorb light and conduct electricity. Inconsistent mathematical techniques can produce faulty data, leading to flawed conclusions about material performance. Establishing which analytical approaches match the standard method ensures reliable material characterisation across laboratories.
This work informs analytical protocols for materials testing laboratories and semiconductor characterisation workflows. By validating specific simplified plotting methods, it could help quality assurance teams and researchers avoid analytical errors when assessing optical properties. However, because the study addresses fundamental measurement methodology, the abstract does not indicate a direct commercial application pathway or product.
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The Tauc method is the conventional technique for estimating the accurate optical bandgap energy of semiconductors using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The proper bandgap is usually determined by directly extrapolating the linear region of the optical spectrum to the horizontal axis of the Tauc plot αhv1/r vs. hv. However, the use of unconventional Tauc plots, such as α1/r vs. hv, A1/r vs. hv, and FR∞ vs. hv are also found in the literature. This raises a debate as to whether these nontraditional methods can produce the correct bandgap value. These uncommon methods appear frequently even in recent papers published in reputable journals, and therefore, have raised concern to investigate the likelihood of obtaining the correct bandgap value using the unusual methods. Results showed that the plots of α1/r vs. hv, and A1/r vs. hv yielded bandgap values that were consistent with those deduced from the universal Tauc plot, whereas the other methods failed.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.rio.2024.100606
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