Photoelectric properties of Ag–As–S glasses

Abstract

Photoconductive and photovoltaic responses in glassy Ag–As–S ion-conducting semiconductors have been studied. The ac conductivity of the glass increases with illumination, while the increase is ascribed to enhanced ionic conduction caused by temperature rise and to interfacial photoeffects. Bulk photocurrent is not detected. By contrast, photovoltages appear in Ag–As–S samples having sandwich and floating electrodes. The photovoltaic characteristics are discussed in terms of classical electrodynamics assuming interaction between electronic carriers and Ag+ ions.