An investigation of the cuprous oxide rectifier and photocell

Abstract

A history of the development of the cuprous oxide rectifier and photocell is presented. The peculiar eleotrical characteristics of cuprous oxide are discussed. X-ray stUdy of low-resistance cuprous oxide, which showed no lattioe difference from high-resistance cuprous oxide, is reported. The principles and technique involved in the produotion of the rectifier and photocell are presented. The nature of the contact between the cuprous oxide and the oopper on which it is formed is studied with polarized light. A method of measuring the resistanoe characteristic of the rectifiers without causing error due to current heating at the barrier is described. Experimental measurements on a number of rectifiers made under different conditions are presented. A new physical phenomenon, the asymmetrical thermal conductance of the cuprous oxide rectifier, is reported.