Bolometric-Effect-Based Wavelength-Selective Photodetectors Using Sorted Single Chirality Carbon Nanotubes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Chirality-dependent optical properties of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are crucial for advanced optoelectronic applications.
• Developing wavelength-selective photodetectors is essential for various sensing and imaging technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To exploit the chirality-dependent optical properties of SWCNTs for wavelength-selective photodetector applications.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using SWCNT networks in thin-film transistors as light sensors.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of thin-film transistors using networks of SWCNTs.
• Characterization of photoresponse under laser illumination.
• Temperature measurements to support the photothermal effect.
• Utilizing different types of SWCNTs, including single chirality (9,8) nanotubes, to achieve wavelength selectivity.

Main Results:

• SWCNT-based thin-film transistors function effectively as light sensors.
• The observed photoresponse is primarily due to the photothermal effect, not photogenerated carriers.
• Devices exhibit wavelength-selective response correlating with SWCNT absorption spectra.
• Demonstrated controllable and wavelength-selective bolometric photoresponse in macroscale SWCNT assemblies.

Conclusions:

• Chirality-sorted SWCNTs offer a viable route for creating bolometric photodetectors.
• Programmable response from visible to near-infrared is achievable by selecting specific SWCNT chiralities.
• This work paves the way for novel photodetector designs with tailored spectral sensitivity.