In a significant stride towards enhancing solar-blind photodetector technology, researchers have developed a novel approach to alleviate the long-standing trade-off between responsivity and response speed in gallium oxide (Ga2O3) devices. This breakthrough, published in the journal *InfoMat* (translated from Chinese as “Information Materials”), could have profound implications for the energy sector, particularly in applications requiring high sensitivity and rapid response to ultraviolet light.
The study, led by Xiaolan Ma from the School of Microelectronics at the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, introduces a bilayer-structure design for Ga2O3 films. This innovation addresses a critical challenge in photodetector technology, where improving one performance aspect often compromises another. “Our bilayer-structure device modulates carrier redistribution between the two layers and enhances carrier extraction accessibility by the electrode,” Ma explains. This dual improvement leads to a more balanced and optimized performance.
The bilayer-structure device demonstrated remarkable achievements, including a low dark current of 1.16 pA, a high photo-to-dark current ratio of 3.49×10^7, a high responsivity (R) of 236.10 A W⁻¹, a high rejection ratio (R254nm/R365nm) of 1.98×10^5, and a fast decay speed of 50 ms. These metrics place the device among the top performers in its class, showcasing the potential of this design to revolutionize solar-blind photodetector technology.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. Solar-blind photodetectors are crucial for applications such as flame detection, ozone layer monitoring, and space communication, where high sensitivity to ultraviolet light is essential. The enhanced performance of these devices can lead to more accurate and reliable data collection, improving safety and efficiency in various industrial and environmental monitoring tasks.
Moreover, the bilayer-structure design offers a universal and facile approach to mitigating the trade-off between responsivity and response speed. This could pave the way for further innovations in photodetector technology, driving advancements in fields that rely on precise and rapid light detection.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the demand for advanced photodetector technology is expected to grow. The research led by Xiaolan Ma provides a promising solution to a long-standing challenge, offering a glimpse into the future of high-performance solar-blind photodetectors. With further optimization and commercialization, this technology could become a cornerstone in the development of next-generation energy and environmental monitoring systems.