Photoresponse studies of ZnSSe visible–blind ultraviolet detectors: A comparison to ZnSTe detectors

This work focuses on the investigation of the difference between the photoresponse of ZnS, ZnSSe, and that of ZnSTe Schottky-barrier photodiodes, with a particular aim to reveal the underlying causes of the gradual turn-on characteristic of low-Te-containing ZnSTe Schottky barrier photodiodes. To form the bottom electrode layer for the newly developed ZnSSe diode, n-type doping of ZnSSe by incorporating Al flux during molecular beam epitaxial growth was studied. Excellent-to-good dopant activation is achieved for Se composition up to 50%. The measured photoresponse of the diodes clearly indicates that the Te isoelectronic trapping effect is responsible for the gradual turn-on characteristic of low-Te-containing ZnSTe Schottky-barrier photodiodes. The results also reveal that the ZnSSe diode, having a much better visible rejection power, is a more suitable choice for high-performance visible–blind ultraviolet detection applications.