Pyrolytic Laser Activation of CdS Thin Film Photoconductors

CdS and CdS:Ag thin films, deposited at room temperature, were irradiated using an argon-ion laser, causing them to become photoconductive in the path of the laser beam. Physical deformation of the thin films is reported, and the optical and electrical properties of the photoconductive devices thus fabricated are described. We suggest this as a means to fabricate small area, patterned photoconductors with the benefit of maskless, low temperature processing.