Spin-dependent current in silicon p-n junction diodes

Abstract

We have used electrically detected spin-dependent paramagnetic resonance to investigate the non-equilibrium conductivity in a silicon diode. In order to create paramagnetic centers, we used diode with a polished surface (that includes p-n junction). The dependence of relative changes in the amplitude of a signal under resonance conditions and the total value of current through the diode were investigated. We have found the presence of inversion channel on the surface of p-n junction and proposed the model of the influence of spin resonance on the channel conductivity. The upper value of the time constant inherent to the spin-dependent process was determined as approximately 10⁻⁶ s . The influence of the spin-dependent process on the charge state in inversion channel has been discussed.