In this study, double-layered TCO (transparent conductive oxide) films were produced by depositing two distinct TCO materials: SnO2 works as an n-type layer and ITO (indium-doped tin oxide) serves as a transparent conductor. Both transparent conductive oxide-films were sequentially deposited by sputtering. The electrical and optical properties of single-layered TCO films (SnO2) and double-layered TCO (ITO/SnO2) films were investigated. A TCO-embedding photodetector was realized through the formation of an ITO/SnO2/p-Si/Al layered structure. The remarkably high rectifying ratio of 400.64 was achieved with the double-layered TCO device, compared to 1.72 with the single-layered TCO device. This result was attributed to the enhanced electrical properties of the double-layered TCO device. With respect to the photoresponses, the photocurrent of the double-layered TCO photodetector was significantly improved: 1,500% of that of the single-layered TCO device. This study suggests that, due to the electrical and optical benefits, double-layered TCO films are effective for enhancing the photoresponses of TCO photodetectors. This provides a useful approach for the design of photoelectric devices, including solar cells and photosensors.
