Acceptors related to group I elements in ZnO ceramics

ZnO ceramics doped with Li, Na or K were sintered in air for 4 h at 1000 °C. Electrical conductivity as well as photoluminescence (PL), PL excitation and photoconductivity spectra were measured and compared with those in undoped samples. The influence of both fast and slow cooling of the samples from 1000 °C on measured characteristics was investigated. The yellow–orange PL bands associated with the deep acceptors LiZn, NaZn and KZn were observed and the corresponding PL excitation spectra were determined. These acceptors were found to form some complexes with other lattice defects.