The correlation between light-induced metallic film voltages and time-dependent temperature gradients

Light-induced transverse voltages in thin Mo films on Al2O3 have been studied using fast rise-time laser pulses with widths of approximately 100 nsec. Both front and back (interfacial) illumination of the film produce voltages that correlate extremely well with the time-dependent average normal temperature gradient as determined by computer simulation. These results support a thermoelectric model as the source of the voltage. © 1974.