Oxygen vacancies induced switchable and nonswitchable photovoltaic effects in Ag/Bi0.9La0.1FeO3 /La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 sandwiched capacitors

The short circuit photocurrent (Isc) was found to be strongly dependent on the oxygen vacancies (VOs) distribution in Ag/Bi0.9La0.1FeO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 heterostructures. In order to manipulate the VOs accumulated at either the Ag/Bi0.9La0.1FeO3 or the Bi0.9La0.1FeO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 interface by pulse voltages, switchable or nonswitchable photocurrent can be observed without or with changing the polarization direction. The sign of photocurrent could be independent of the direction of polarization when the variation of diffusion current and the modulation of the Schottky barrier at the Ag/Bi0.9La0.1FeO3 interface induced by oxygen vacancies are large enough to offset those induced by polarization. Our work provides deep insights into the nature of photovoltaic effects in ferroelectric films, and will facilitate the advanced design of switchable devices combining spintronic, electronic, and optical functionalities.