Influence of thin metal nanolayers on the photodetective properties of ZnO thin films

We investigate the photoconductivity properties of ZnO thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition with and without metals (Au or Pt) on the surface. The covering of nanostructured metals can largely enhance the photocurrent. Meanwhile, the dark currents have been increased significantly due to the increase in carrier concentration and mobility near the surface of ZnO thin film. Although plasmonic effect was observed by the photoluminescence enhancement, the main mechanism of the increase in the dark current and photoresponsivity for ZnO photoconductors has been interpreted by surface states, interface states, and persistent photoconductivity. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3251370]