Surface charge separation behavior of photo-generated carriers in highly oriented TiO2 anatase and rutile films was investigated using a technique in which the transient surface charge is observed by laser pulse irradiation without metal contacts and an externally applied field. According to the measurements, the quantum efficiency of photo-generated holes transported toward the surface was determined as a function of incident laser energy. The photo-generated holes in anatase can be transported toward the surface for irradiation at the photon energy of its bandgap. The holes transported toward the rutile surface, however, were generated close to the surface for irradiation at the photon energy much higher than its bandgap. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.