Photosensitization processes in molecular solids

Abstract

Experiments relating to the photosensitization process in molecular solids are discussed. The studies deal with molecularly doped polymers which offer the advantage of controlled dye (sensitizer) –transport molecule separation and the ability to change the nature of the sensitizer and transport molecule. The photosensitization is shown to be controlled by the dye–transport molecule separation. Experimentally this requires the elimination of the associated transport limitations caused by the inevitable increase in the separation between transport molecules. Additional experiments involving the xerographic discharge of dye/transport molecule doped polymers overcoated with an a-Se sensitizing layer reveal the dual sensitizing and trapping role that dye molecules can play.