Large-Area Nanocrystalline Caesium Lead Chloride Thin Films: A Focus on the Exciton Recombination Dynamics

Caesium lead halide perovskites were recently demonstrated to be a relevant class of semiconductors for photonics and optoelectronics. Unlike CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3, the realization of high-quality thin films of CsPbCl3, particularly interesting for highly efficient white LEDs when coupled to converting phosphors, is still a very demanding task. In this work we report the first successful deposition of nanocrystalline CsPbCl3 thin films (70–150 nm) by radio frequency magnetron sputtering on large-area substrates. We present a detailed investigation of the optical properties by high resolution photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, resolved in time and space in the range 10–300 K, providing quantitative information concerning carriers and excitons recombination dynamics. The PL is characterized by a limited inhomogeneous broadening (~15 meV at 10 K) and its origin is discussed from detailed analysis with investigations at the micro-scale. The samples, obtained without any post-growth treatment, show a homogeneous PL emission in spectrum and intensity on large sample areas (several cm2). Temperature dependent and time-resolved PL spectra elucidate the role of carrier trapping in determining the PL quenching up to room temperature. Our results open the route for the realization of large-area inorganic halide perovskite films for photonic and optoelectronic devices

Online learning of physics during a pandemic: A report from an academic experience in Italy

The arrival of the Sars-Cov II has opened a new window on teaching physics in academia. Frontal lectures have left space for online teaching, teachers have been faced with a new way of spreading knowledge, adapting contents and modalities of their courses. Students have faced up with a new way of learning physics, which relies on free access to materials and their informatics knowledge. We decided to investigate how online didactics has influenced students’ assessments, motivation, and satisfaction in learning physics during the pandemic in 2020. The research has involved bachelor (n = 53) and master (n = 27) students of the Physics Department at the University of Cagliari (N = 80, 47 male; 33 female). The MANOVA supported significant mean differences about gender and university level with higher values for girls and master students in almost all variables investigated. The path analysis showed that student-student, student-teacher interaction, and the organization of the courses significantly influenced satisfaction and motivation in learning physics. The results of this study can be used to improve the standards of teaching in physics at the University of Cagliar