Exact surface solutions for semiconductors: The Dember effect and partial currents

Abstract

Exact solution of the correct linearized equations for steady-state transport in semiconductors yields two modes that vary exponentially in space. One involves screening (without entropy production) and one involves diffusion and recombination (with entropy production), neither being quasineutral. They are applied to surface photoexcitation (the Dember effect) and to the adjustment of partial electron and hole currents from surface to bulk. Other transport situations are briefly discussed.