Abstract
The non-steady-state photo-ElectroMotive Force (photo-EMF) effect has been observed in photoreflective (PR) polymer films based on poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK). It was investigated in the typical tilted transmission configuration without and with application of moderate external DC electric fields. The dependencies of the photo- EMF signals on the frequency and the amplitude of the phase modulation, the tilt angle, and the externally applied DC field are qualitatively explained using a simple model of the effect, developed earlier for unipolar photoconductive inorganic crystals without saturation of the trapping centers. Quantitatively, however, the experimental data turned out to be interpreted considering the presence of additional space-charge gratings appearing due to light reflection from the rear interfaces of the thin-film device, as could be proven by numerical simulation. The photo-EMF technique is a powerful experimental tool for the characterization of PR polymers without or at low external DC fields, where conventional holographic techniques give insufficient signal. It can be extended for the evaluation of organic xerographic photoconductors in general.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
