Abstract
We report here the first observation of a pyroelectric effect in a nonpolar semiconductor. This effect originates in the temperature-dependent electric dipole of the PbTe p-n junction. The junction was illuminated by a chopped CO2 laser beam, and periodic and single-pulse pyroelectric signals were observed and measured as a function of temperature, reverse bias voltage, and chopper frequency. The measured pyroelectric coefficient is 10-3μC/cm2K in the region of 40-80 K. The theoretical model describes quantitatively all experimental features. The time evolution of the temperature inside the junction region was reconstructed.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 057603 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 100 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 8 Feb 2008 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy