Low Intensity UV Detection Using Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Coated p ‐NiO/ n ‐SnO 2 Hybrid Device for Potential Use in Space Technologies

A p ‐NiO/ n ‐SnO 2 heterojunction was synthesized using pulsed laser deposition and a layer of organic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was spin‐coated on the n ‐SnO 2 layer to form a hybrid organic–inorganic UV sensing device. The molar concentration of the PVA layer was optimized to enhance the UV sensing performance, particularly for low‐intensity UV detection. Structural, optical, and electrical properties of the uncoated and PVA‐coated p–n heterojunction devices were studied. The study reveals that introducing a PVA layer effectively reduced the dark current and modulate the photoresponse of the device. The detectivity of the PVA coated device at −6.0 V was found to be (1.91 ± 0.36) × 10 10 Jones under 260 nm UVC illumination. Further, the same feature of the device under 365 nm UVA illumination increased to (2.42 ± 0.15) × 10 7 Jones. Additionally, the PVA layer contributed to an improved stability and reduction in visible light detection by the device. The hybrid organic–inorganic device having PVA layer improves the UVA and UVC photoresponse of the p ‐NiO/ n ‐SnO 2 heterojunction. The enhanced detectivity and low‐noise operation of the PVA coated hybrid device highlights its potential for use in space technology applications.