Abstract: A crucible for accommodating and heating a material to be vaporized or sublimed and a system for it. The crucible comprises: at least one concave recess, which is applicable to accommodating a material to be vaporized or sublimed, and the concave recess is formed on a first surface of the crucible; and a bottom recess and/or a side recess, the bottom recess is formed on a second surface of the crucible, the second surface is opposite to the first surface, and the side recess is formed in a side wall of the crucible, the side wall extends from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the side recess has an opening near the second surface of the crucible. The system comprises the crucible and a heater arrangement for heating the crucible, wherein the heater arrangement comprises at least one heater arranged in the bottom recess or the side recess of the crucible.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method to form a gradient thin film using a spray pyrolysis technique. The method comprises providing a base substrate, preparing a spray aqueous solution by mixing at least two precursor compounds comprising at least two different elements and spraying the spray aqueous solution onto the base substrate. According to the present invention, the ratio of the concentration of the at least two different elements within the spray aqueous solution is varied while performing the method. In this way, a thin film having a gradient of elemental composition over its layer thickness may be formed.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method to form a gradient thin film using a spray pyrolysis technique. The method comprises providing a base substrate, preparing a spray aqueous solution by mixing at least two precursor compounds comprising at least two different elements and spraying the spray aqueous solution onto the base substrate. According to the present invention, the ratio of the concentration of the at least two different elements within the spray aqueous solution is varied while performing the method. In this way, a thin film having a gradient of elemental composition over its layer thickness may be formed.