Optical device, photoelectric conversion apparatus, and fuel production apparatus

A photoelectric conversion apparatus comprising:

• an optical device that includes an intermetallic compound of a first metal and a second metal having a lower work function than the first metal or that includes a solid-solution alloy of the first metal and the second metal, and that includes an n-type semiconductor in Schottky junction with the intermetallic compound or the solid-solution alloy and that detects near-infrared light;
• a first electrode;
• and
• a conducting wire that electrically connects the first electrode to the intermetallic compound or the solid-solution alloy,
• wherein the n-type semiconductor has a first surface facing the intermetallic compound or the solid-solution alloy and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and
• the first electrode is in contact with the second surface of the n-type semiconductor.

A fuel production apparatus comprising:

• an optical device that includes an intermetallic compound of a first metal and a second metal having a lower work function than the first metal or that includes a solid-solution alloy of the first metal and the second metal, and that includes an n-type semiconductor in Schottky junction with the intermetallic compound or the solid-solution alloy and that detects near-infrared light;
• a first electrode in contact with the n-type semiconductor in the optical device;
• an oxidation reaction vessel that contains a first electrolytic solution and the optical device;
• a reduction reaction vessel that contains a second electrolytic solution and a second electrode;
• a proton transmission film located at a border between the oxidation reaction vessel and the reduction reaction vessel;
• and
• a conducting wire that connects the first electrode to the second electrode,
• wherein the optical device is in contact with the first electrolytic solution, and
• the second electrode is in contact with the second electrolytic solution.