Xerographic and electroabsorption study of primary photocarrier generationprocess in x-form metal-free phthalocyanine

Using a dual-layered photoconductor, we have investigated the primary photo carrier generation process in x-form metal-free phthalocyanine (x-H2PC) ove r a wide range of illumination wavelengths. According to the results of qua ntum efficiency measurements, it has been established that the photocarrier generation mechanism in x-H2PC occurs via two processes: (i) production of an intermediate that depends solely on the excitation energy, and (ii) sub sequent free carrier production in the presence of an electric field. In ad dition, the spectral quantum efficiency and the electroabsorption spectrum were measured and compared. Based on that, the primary process efficiency w as divided into four regions in terms of photon energy, which explained wel l the relationship between them. The excitation energy dependence of the pr imary efficiency was semiquantitatively validated based on the electron tra nsfer theory. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.