Wavelength dependence of transient photovoltage polarity

Using pulsed laser with different wavelengths, transient photovoltage (TPV) is investigated for the sandwich device of indium tin oxide (ITO)/poly (2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1, 4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) (500 nm)/Al. At laser wavelength of 500 nm, a 0.1 millisecond negative TPV signal appears followed by a positive one lasting 40–80 milliseconds. With increasing laser wavelength, the negative signal becomes weak and disappears when wavelengths λ⩾560 nmλ⩾560 nm. This work demonstrates the process of exciton dissociation at the interface between ITO and MEH-PPV. A new method measuring the relative dissociation rate at the interface between polymer and electrode is introduced. It is estimated that the dissociation rate at Al interface is 4–8 times of that at the ITO interface.