Insight into the Optoelectronic and Thermoelectric Properties of Mn Doped ZnTe from First Principles Calculation

Abstract

Using DFT band structure simulations together with semi-classical Boltzmann transport kinetics equations, we have explored the optoelectronic and transport features of MnxZn1−xTe (x = 8% and 16%) crystals. Optimization of the doping and related technological processes it is extremely important for optimization of the technological parameters. The Generalized Gradient Approximation is applied to compute the corresponding band structure parameters. We have applied the Generalized Gradient Approximation Plus U (GGA+U). We have demonstrated that MnxZn1−xTe (x = 8% and 16%) is a direct type band semiconductor with principal energy gap values equal to 2.20 and 2.0 eV for x = 8% and 16%, respectively. The energy gap demonstrates significant decrease with increasing Mn content. Additionally, the origin of the corresponding bands is explored from the electronic density of states. The optical dispersion functions are calculated from the spectra of dielectric function. The theoretical simulations performed unambiguously showed that the titled materials are simultaneously promising optoelectronic and thermoelectric devices. The theoretical simulations performed showed ways for amendment of their transport properties by replacement of particular ions.

Keywords

• electronic properties
• optical properties
• thermoelectricity
• semiconductors
• electrical engineering