Space-charge layer and distribution of lattice defects at the surface of ionic crystals

Abstract

It is shown that an electric potential exists between the surface and the bulk of ionic crystals. The potential is expressed in terms of the energies necessary for formation of lattice defects. The distribution of the potential and of lattice defects near the surface is calculated. The difference between the concentration of lattice defects near the surface and that in the bulk leads to a "surface conduction." The magnitude of the potential, the thickness of the space-charge layer near the surface and the "surface conduction" are calculated for NaCl crystals using numerical values, calculated by Mott and Littleton [N. F. Mott and M. J. Littleton, Trans. Faraday Soc. 34, 485 (1938)] for the energies of formation of lattice defects. The effect of charged impurities in the crystals on the surface potential is discussed. The importance of the surface potential on diffusion, photoelectric effect, and photographic effect is mentioned.