ABSTRACT
The quaternary compounds Cu2ZnSnS4 and Cu2ZnSnSe4 crystallize in the kesterite structure and they are interesting for thin-film solar cell devices. We describe the growth and characterization of kesterite-type thin films synthesized by thermal evaporation of the elements and binary chalcogenides in high vacuum. The film composition and grain size depend to a large extent on the substrate temperature. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates formation of the ordered kesterite structure. A copper-tin chalcogenide is the only ternary compound found in this quaternary system. The resistivity of KCN-etched films ranges between 1 and 100 Ωcm for Zn-rich films, and it varies greatly for Sn-rich films.
