Effect of defect bands in β-In2S3 thin films

Abstract

Optical absorption studies in β-In2S3 thin films of band gap 2.66 eV, prepared using chemical spray pyrolysis technique, revealed presence of a defect band which could assist absorption of sub band gap photons. Extrinsic photoconductivity under excitation of 2.33 eV was observed in these films. Photoluminescence studies revealed a green emission from the films providing a recombination path to these carriers. Temperature dependence of photoconductivity showed that the states in the defect band were continuously exchanging carriers with the conduction band which caused the photocurrent to show persistent photoconductivity. Temperature dependence of photocurrent revealed existence of shallow traps located ∼24 meV below the conduction band which played vital role in controlling the photosensitivity of the films. Temporal dependence of photoconductivity revealed decay tails which were identified to be the effect of thermal release of carriers form the shallow traps.