Infrared photoelectric effects in polyethylene

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Abstract
We have observed a flow of charge on illumination of low‐density polyethylene with infrared light in the wavelength range 1.6–0.7 μ by using silver electrodes. This flow is reversed on removal of the light, is proportional to the light intensity, and varies little with wavelength in this spectral region. There is no significant response to light of visible wavelengths. The effect decreases as the temperature is increased up to 60°C, though the time constant remains fixed. There are qualitative differences between the responses obtained with gold and with silver electrodes, and quantitative changes when the ambient air pressure is altered. The behavior suggests that during illumination, the dynamic equilibrium between carriers in the electrodes and those in the material close to the electrodes undergoes a reversible adjustment.

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