Time-domain impedance method for transient photovoltage analysis

TL;DR

This paper models the transient surface photovoltage in ZnO films using an RC circuit approximation, revealing defect-related trap capacitance and providing a good fit to experimental data.

Contribution

It introduces an RC circuit model to analyze SPV transients in nanostructured ZnO films, highlighting defect effects on charge dynamics.

Findings

Model accurately reproduces experimental SPV transients.

Defects create trap capacitance affecting charge separation.

Charge transport impeded by resistance related to defects.

Abstract

In this work, we approximate the surface photovoltage (SPV) transients in nm-sized ZnO films by the equivalent RC circuit model. The SPV rises in time in time for about 90 mcs after the exciting light pulse at 275 nm is off at different pulse widths ranging from 1.2 to 12 mcs. The key to this observation is a considerable amount of defects in the films, which form a trap capacitance in the equivalent circuit. The photogeneration of nonequilibrium electrons and holes near the film surface is described by charging of a capacitance by the current source whereas the rate of their spatial separation is determined by a resistance. This resistance reflects an obstacle in the carrier movement while another capacitance determines the charge separation distance. The electron-hole recombination is account for a second resistance introduced into the equivalent circuit. The resulting modeled SPV transient allows to reproduce the observed experimental curve rather well.