MBE-grown Fe:Pd/ZnSe Schottky-barrier photodetector: Distinguishing blue + UV light levels among white light sources

Abstract

Blue and ultraviolet radiation is well known to be associated with cataract formation and visual damage. Nowadays, children and teenagers are increasingly exposed to blue light and electromagnetic radiation with even shorter wavelength, which may cause damage to vision due to their frequent use of electronic display devices and participation in disco parties and concerts with illumination by UV light. We developed a Fe:Pd/ZnSe Schottky barrier photodetector that detects blue and UV light with excellent long-wavelength rejection power for green and red light of 4.24 and 5.65 orders, respectively. Its Schottky-barrier height and built-in potential are determined to be 2.48 and 1.17 eV, respectively. Together with the help of a lux meter, this simple and robust photodetector detects the blue light + UV content of different LED light bulbs with accuracy comparable to the much more sophisticated and expensive spectrometer. This compact and efficient blue + UV light detector can help us to increase the awareness of over-exposure to vision damaging radiation.