A new model is proposed for DX-like impurity centers, which are responsible
for the Fermi-level stabilization and long-term relaxation effects in IV-V
I semiconductors doped with group III elements. The model is based on the i
dea of a variable valence of the impurity, whereas the nature of the long-t
erm effects at low temperatures is associated with the formation of an effe
ctive barrier caused by a change of two units in the impurity valence upon
photoexcitation. The model is applied to an analysis of the photoconductivi
ty spectra in PbTe(Ga). The model can also be applied to the classical DX c
enters in III-V semiconductors. (C) 2000 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".