Space-charge dynamics in photorefractive polymers

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Abstract
The model of space-charge formation in photorefractive polymers due to Schildkraut and Buettner has been modified to include thermally accessible deep traps as well as shallow traps. The dynamic equations have been solved semiempirically using independent measurements of photoconductive properties to predict photorefractive dynamics. Dependencies of the dynamics on charge generation, mobility, trap density, acceptor density, ionized acceptor density, as well as their associated rates are examined. The magnitude of the fast time constant of photorefractive development is successfully predicted. The introduction of deep traps into the model has allowed us to qualitatively predict the reduction in speed due to deep trap filling and ionized acceptor growth. Experimental studies of photoconductivity and photorefraction (PR) in several polyvinyl carbazole photorefractive composites are carried out to demonstrate the applicability of the model. By choosing chromophores with different ionization potentials and by varying the chromophore concentrations, we investigate the influence of the chromophore ionization potential on the photoelectric and PR properties and reveal the nature of deep traps in the composites and their contribution to both photoconductivity and PR dynamics. Effects of plasticizer components are also discussed.