Majority carriers in pyrite thin films: an analysis based on Seebeck and Hall coefficient measurements

Determination of the sign of the majority charge carriers in pyrite thin films has become a difficult task due to the contradictory results obtained by thermoelectric methods and Hall coefficient measurements. An explanation for this behaviour is proposed on the basis of calculations accomplished by considering a two band conduction mechanism operating in the films. Point lattice defects, generated during the film growth, are considered as donor and acceptor states.