Photoelectric conversion device, photosensor, power generation device, and photoelectric conversion method

A photoelectric conversion method using a photoelectric conversion device that includes:

• a photoelectric conversion element that is formed of a polar material and includes no p-n junction;
• and first and second electrodes that are provided on the photoelectric conversion element and are arranged at an interval,
• wherein the photoelectric conversion element is polarized between the first and second electrodes and has a structure of which space-inversion symmetry is broken,
• the first and second electrodes are each formed of a metal material that generates no substantial potential barrier, and the potential barrier prevents majority carriers for the photoelectric conversion element from moving from the electrode to the photoelectric conversion element,
• the method comprises:
• in a state where a voltage is not applied between the first and second electrodes, making light incident on the photoelectric conversion element between the first and second electrodes, thereby causing electromotive force to be generated between first and second electrodes, and enabling electric current to be continuously taken out from the first and second electrodes.