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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
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A Fabrication and Measurement Method for a Flexible Ferroelectric Element Based on Van Der Waals Heteroepitaxy
Published on: April 8, 2018
Micro Photo Detector Fabricated of Ferroelectric-Metal Heterostructure.
A Zomorrodian1, N J Wu, Y Song
1Texas Center for Superconductivity and Advanced Materials, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5004, U.S.A.
Japanese Journal of Applied Physics. Part 1, Regular Papers & Short Notes
|September 28, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed novel optical micro-detectors using ferroelectric thin films and the anomalous photovoltaic effect (APE). These devices show promise for visible light detection and applications in MEMS and biological stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optoelectronics
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- The anomalous photovoltaic effect (APE) in ferroelectric thin films offers potential for optical detection.
- Ferroelectric materials exhibit unique electrical and optical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize optical micro-detectors utilizing the APE in ferroelectric thin films.
- To evaluate the performance of these micro-detectors in the visible light spectrum.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of La-doped Pb(Zr,Ti)O(3) (PLZT) ferroelectric thin films epitaxially grown on Pt(001)/Mg(001) substrates.
- Creation of micro-detector arrays with an Au/PLZT/Pt/MgO heterostructure.
- Characterization of optical response, including photovoltage and photocurrent under illumination.
Main Results:
- The Au/PLZT/Pt/MgO devices exhibited self-polarization with polarization perpendicular to the film surface.
- Photovoltage response ranged from 100 to 200 mV.
- Photocurrent measured approximately 30 nA/cm(2) for ~250 micrometer diameter devices under 100 mW/cm(2) illumination (400-580 nm).
Conclusions:
- The developed micro-detectors are effective for optical sensing in the visible range (350-800 nm).
- Potential applications include optical sensors in MEMS devices and electrical stimulators for biological cells.
