A note on the theory of the photo-electric current across a metal semi-conductor contact

Abstract

When any metal film is deposited on the surface of a massive copper oxide slab and illuminated with visible light, a current flows in such a direction that the electrons pass from the Cu2O to the metal in greater numbers than from the metal to the Cu2O. This is the reverse direction to the easier flow of electrons under an applied voltage when the contact is allowed to act as a rectifier. This effect is sometimes called the “Vorderwandeffekt” to distinguish it from the similar group of phenomena which occur at the natural interface between massive copper and Cu2O when the surface of the copper has been oxidized in situ (“Hinterwandeffekt”).