ZnMgO-based UV photodiodes: a comparison of films grown by spray pyrolysis and MBE

Detecting the UV part of the spectrum is fundamental for a wide range of applications where ZnMgO has the potential to play a central role. The shortest achievable wavelength is a function of the Mg content in the films, which in turn is dependent on the growth technique. Moreover, increasing Mg contents lead to an electrical compensation of the films, which directly affects the responsivity of the photodetectors. In addition, the metal-semiconductor interface and the presence of grain boundaries have a direct impact on the responsivity through different gain mechanisms. In this work, we review the development of ZnMgO UV Schottky photodiodes using molecular beam epitaxy and spray pyrolysis, and we analyze and compare the physical mechanisms underlying the photodetector behavior.