Ultra-sensitive polarization-resolved black phosphorus homojunction photodetector defined by ferroelectric domains

With the further miniaturization and integration of multi-dimensional optical information detection devices, polarization-sensitive photodetectors based on anisotropic low-dimension materials have attractive potential applications. However, the performance of these devices is restricted by intrinsic property of materials leading to a small polarization ratio of the detectors. Here, we construct a black phosphorus (BP) homojunction photodetector defined by ferroelectric domains with ultra-sensitive polarization photoresponse. With the modulation of ferroelectric field, the BP exhibits anisotropic dispersion changes, leading an increased photothermalelectric (PTE) current in the armchair (AC) direction. Moreover, the PN junction can promote the PTE current and accelerate carrier separation. As a result, the BP photodetector demonstrates an ultrahigh polarization ratio (PR) of 288 at 1450 nm incident light, a large photoresponsivity of 1.06 A/W, and a high detectivity of 1.27 x 10(11) cmHz(1/2)W(-1) at room temperature. This work reveals the great potential of BP in future polarized light detection. Integrated polarization-sensitive photodetectors are important for sensing applications and optical communication. Here, the authors report the realization of 2D black phosphorus homojunction photodetectors defined by ferroelectric substrates, showing polarization ratios up to 288 and high responsivity in the near-infrared.

Automated summary

This study presents a homojunction photodetector based on black phosphorus, which exhibits ultra-sensitive polarization photoresponse. By modulating the ferroelectric field, black phosphorus shows enhanced photothermalelectric current in a specific direction. Furthermore, the PN junction can promote the photothermalelectric current and accelerate carrier separation. The black phosphorus photodetector demonstrates ultrahigh polarization ratio, large photoresponsivity, and high detectivity in the near-infrared.