Simultaneous measurement of electroluminescence and space charge distribution in low density polyethylene under a uniform dc field

We report for the first time the simultaneous measurement of electroluminescence and space charge (SC) distribution in low density polyethylene films under a high dc field, using a specially developed pulsed electro-acoustic apparatus. An interpretation of the observed behaviour is proposed with the help of a numerical model of transport including the effect of charge trapping and recombination. It is shown that the two complementary approaches give consistent information about SC dynamics and charge recombination. This new kind of set-up should open the way for studying hot carrier transport in insulating materials.