Open AccessDirect observation of lateral photovoltaic effect in nano-metal-films
Author(s) -
Changrui Yu,
Hui Wang,
Shilin Xiao,
Yuxing Xia
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.17.021712
Subject(s) - semiconductor , materials science , photovoltaic system , metal , optoelectronics , photovoltaic effect , optics , thin film , nano , nanotechnology , composite material , electrical engineering , physics , metallurgy , engineering
Lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) observed on the metal films is unusual because it violates a principle that the LPEs are always observed on the surface of a semiconductor. Compared with early studies, we have realized an obvious metal film LPE in a metal-semiconductor (MS) structure. By further arguing with experimental results, this work also intensively elucidates many features of LPE which the early models never touched upon. All the data and analyses in this study indicate that metal side LPE in MS structure has some natural superiorities to the semiconductor side LPE and may open many exciting opportunities for realizing multifunctional devices.