Photoelectricity in solids

Abstract

Theoretical and experimental aspects of internal photoeffects in solids are discussed. The theory underlying the generation and recombination of carriers and their movement by diffusion and under the influence of applied electric and/or magnetic fields is indicated. Photovoltaic, photoconductive and photoelectromagnetic effects are considered and the operation of p-n junctions as solar batteries or fast photodiodes is discussed. Some applications of solid state photoeffects - particularly for infra-red detectors - are outlined.