Enhancement of photosensitivity by ultraviolet irradiation and photoconductivity spectra of diamond thin films

Abstract

The evolution of photocurrent in time under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of free-standing diamond thin films, prepared by chemical vapor deposition method, have been observed. A significant enhancement of the photosensitivity in visible-near-infrared region of UV illuminated samples have been obtained. The linear dependence of relative change of photocurrent on UV radiant intensity have been found. The photoconductivity spectra have been investigated in the energy range 1–6.2 eV. The results of investigation have shown that diamond thin films possess similar properties as radiation damaged crystalline diamond.