The effective electron affinity estimation from the simultaneous detection of thermally stimulated luminescence and exoelectronic emission. Application to an -alumina single crystal

Abstract

A method of estimating the electron affinity value of an insulator has been developed. The measurement was carried out from the simultaneous detection of thermoluminescence and thermostimulated exoelectronic emission (TSEE) curves presented by the material. This is possible when the TSEE phenomenon is governed by the thermoionic model and when the electron concentration of the considered trap becomes weaker than that of thermally disconnected traps. The application to an -alumina single crystal shows that the electron affinity can be evaluated as from the thermostimulated peak at 275 K and at from the thermostimulated peak at 440 K. The validity of the model and the signification of the results are discussed.