Persistent internal photopolarization in C60 thin films: proposal for a novel fullerene-based solar cell

We report on a persistent internal photopolarization effect observed in C₆₀ thin films at room temperature. This differs from the similar "photoelectret" state previously seen in some other materials in that, unlike the latter, C₆₀ does not undergo rapid photodepolarization. We suggest to utilize this phenomenon in fullerene-based heterojunction solar cells. A possible operating principle of such a device may combine the permanent built-in potential of a heterojunction with the repeatable photopolarization of a fullerene layer (phase).