Characterization of UV Detectors Based on Dye Sensitized Cell

Objective: Self-powered UV detectors based on TiO₂ has attracted a lot of attention due to its promising properties. Dye sensitized solar cell based-TiO₂ was previously designed to be used as an alternative to the conventional solar cell as it resembles a low cost source of renewable energy. Methods: In this paper, dye sensitized cell was modified and investigated to be used as a low cost practical UV light detector. TiO₂ was deposited on a glass substrate coated with Indium tin oxide conductive layer. Dye and electrolyte were added to help in absorbing photons and maintaining the charge carriers in the cell respectively. The cell was encapsulated using a second conductive glass substrate. Findings: To increase the detector stability, the device was sealed to isolate it from the environment using cross-linked SU-8 photo resist. A small bias was applied to the cell through its electrodes in order to control the amount of charge carriers. The detector was tested in ambient as well as underwater to check its reliability and robustness. Application: It shows high responsively, around 1440 A/W and fast response for on/off and continuous light irradiation. The measurements for the detector were obtained under 365 nm UV light irradiation with light intensities varying from 0.1 to 8 mW/cm².