The Sensitivity and Response Time of Lead Sulphide Photoconductive Cells

Measurements of the response time and photosensitivity of lead sulphide photoconductive cells have been made with a view to establishing a theoretical working model for photoconductors of this type The measurements include the variation in response time and photosensitivity with temperature, background illumination, applied electric field and other parameters. The results support, at least qualitatively, a theory of photoconductivity which postulates the existence of space-charge barriers at intercrystalline contacts The height of such barriers is reduced on illumination and conduction facilitated.