Evaluation of Thin-Film Photodiodes and Development of Thin-Film Phototransistor

Abstract

First, a p/i/n thin-film photodiode (TFPD) is evaluated, and it is found that the photoinduced current (Iphoto) is relatively large. Next, a p/n TFPD is evaluated, and it is found that the Iphoto is independent of the applied voltage (Vapply). However, it is difficult to simultaneously achieve a large and independent Iphoto. Therefore, a p/i/n thin-film phototransistor (TFPT) is developed, and it is found that the Iphoto can be both relatively large and independent of the Vapply by optimizing the gate voltage. These characteristics are obtained because the depletion layer is formed in the entire intrinsic region and the electric field is always high. It is expected that these characteristics are preferable for some types of photosensor application such as artificial retina.