Photoelectric Characteristics of Rare Earth Element Er Doped Molybdenum Selenide Thin Films

The preparation and the photoelectric characteristics of molybdenum selenide (MoSe 2 ) films doped with the rare earth element Er 3+ are presented herein. The surface mororphology, light absorption and emission of the undoped and Er 3+ doped MoSe 2 thin films were analyzed, we found that the Er 3+ doped MoSe 2 films exhibited more crystalline, and their mobility and conductivity were enhanced by about one order higher relative to that of the pure sample. Also, the optical absorptivity and luminous intensity of Er 3+ doped MoSe 2 were also enhanced by two times than that of the pure MoSe 2 . In addition, the photovoltaic effect of the Er 3+ -doped MoSe 2 films increased significantly. The short-circuit current increased almost ten-fold, and the open-circuit voltage was enhanced four-fold. These results show that the Er 3+ ions not only enhanced the conductivity, but also improved the optical properties of the films. The Er 3+ doped MoSe 2 may be applied to make sensitive light emitting devices and detectors.