Influence of Ag mid-layer in the optical and thermal properties of ZnO/Ag/ZnO thin films on the glass used in Buildings as insulating glass unit (IGU)

The low-emissivity (low-E) coatings are multiple ultra thin layers on glass used for producing spectrally selective glazing. The use of low-E glazing in building windows makes it possible limit the radiative heat transfer without reducing the visible transmittance perceptibly and accordingly alter the necessary natural lighting in low energy buildings. In this study, we investigate ZnO/Ag/ZnO thin films deposited on glass substrate via RF and DC sputtering by ZnO and Ag targets respectively, in various deposition time of Ag layer. We tried to diminish the NIR transmittance by using a feasible and affordable method with a low number of ultra thin layers and by reducing the cost of the vacuum. Presented results are related to electrical, optical and thermal properties for tri-layers based on sandwiched Ag by ZnO in deposition time of 10-45 s at room temperature.