New Parallel Photoelectromagnetic Effect

Abstract

A new photoelectromagnetic effect is described, in which the short-circuit current is proportional to the difference in surface recombination velocities of a pair of parallel surfaces. The surfaces are the $\mathrm{yz}$ planes of a slab which is illuminated in the $z$ direction in the presence of a magnetic field in the same orientation. In addition to the primary diffusion of the generated carriers along $z$, there ensues a secondary flow in the transverse $x$ direction. If the boundary conditions at the two $\mathrm{yz}$ planes are not identical, there results a net flow of carrier pairs toward one of these surfaces. The magnetic field $B_z$ deflects these carriers, and a net short-circuit current passes in the $y$ direction. Measurement of this current affords a means of probing the surfaces from the interior of the sample. The theory of the effect and its experimental observation are described.