Advanced Physical Research

Copper oxide (Cu₂O) thin films were prepared by Spray Pyrolysis Technique (SPT), and then these films were exposed to laser light using a 405 nm violet laser with a power of 2 W for different periods of time: 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. This paper aims to investigate the effects of laser treatment on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the deposited films. XRD results confirmed the crystallinity of the films; a significant reduction in crystallite size was also observed with an increase in irradiation time. SEM studies indicated improved surface homogeneity with a reduction in grain size and interstitial defects. This confirms improved film densification. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies indicated no significant differences in elemental composition and chemical bonds. This confirms the stability of the films under laser irradiation. Optical studies indicated improved optical parameters such as absorbance, absorption coefficient, refractive index, extinction coefficient, and optical conductivity with an increase in irradiation time. Transmittance was also found to reduce. The optical bandgap was also found to reduce from 3.18 to 2.28 eV with an increase in irradiation time. This is due to the generation of localised states in the optical bandgap. This confirms that laser irradiation is an efficient and energy-saving post-processing technique to improve the structural and optical properties of Cu₂O thin films. They can be used in optoelectronic devices and renewable energy applications.