p-Type NiO Hybrid Visible Photodetector

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optoelectronics
• Device Physics

Background:

• A novel hybrid visible-light photodetector was fabricated by integrating a planar p-type inorganic nickel oxide (NiO) layer with an organic electron acceptor layer.
• Investigated the impact of oxygen pressure during pulsed laser deposition on NiO film properties, noting higher pressures enhance charge carrier density and reduce dark current.

Discussion:

• Explored the interfacial modification using a monolayer of small molecules with conjugated π systems and carboxyl groups.
• Demonstrated that precise energy level alignment of these interfacial molecules is crucial for improving photodetector performance.

Key Insights:

• Optimized oxygen pressure during NiO deposition leads to improved charge transport and lower dark current.
• Interfacial engineering with specific organic molecules significantly enhances quantum efficiency, responsivity, and photogeneration.
• Device responsivity reached 1.54 × 10⁻² A W⁻¹ at 460 nm light after optimizing organic layer thickness.

Outlook:

• Further refinement of interfacial engineering strategies could lead to even higher performance hybrid photodetectors.
• Potential applications in advanced optical sensing and imaging technologies.
• Exploration of alternative inorganic and organic materials for tailored photodetector characteristics.