Organic Photoconductors

This Chapter surveys organic photoreceptor devices used in electrophotography. electrophotography Included in the discussion are the materials (polymers, pigments, charge-transport molecules, etc.), device architecture, photoreceptor device architecture fabrication methods, and device electrical characteristics photoreceptor organic photoreceptor electrical characteristic that are critical to the successful functioning of an electrophotographic device (printer). The Chapter is organized as follows. A brief discussion of the history of xerography and the contributions of Chester Carlson is followed by operational considerations and critical materials properties. The latter includes dark conductivity, photodischarge–charge transport, and photogeneration. Organic photoreceptor characterizations of dark decay, photosensitivity, and electrical-only cycling are discussed in detail. This is followed by discussions of photoreceptor architecture, coating technologies, substrate, conductive layer, and coated layers which carry out specific functions such as smoothing, charge blocking, charge transport, backing, and surface protection.