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Fabrication and Testing of Photonic Thermometers
Published on: October 24, 2018
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Resonant thermoelectric nanophotonics.
Kelly W Mauser1, Seyoon Kim1, Slobodan Mitrovic2
1Thomas J. Watson Laboratory of Applied Physics, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA.
Nature Nanotechnology
|May 23, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed novel thermoelectric nanostructures for highly sensitive, wavelength-specific photodetectors. These nanostructures enable bandgap-independent photodetection, enhancing performance for hyperspectral and broadband applications.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics and Nanophotonics
- Thermoelectric Materials
- Photodetection Technologies
Background:
- Conventional photodetectors rely on photocurrent generation or bolometry, often enhanced by plasmonic/nanophotonic structures.
- Existing methods have limitations, particularly concerning bandgap dependency and spectral selectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce subwavelength thermoelectric nanostructures for resonant, spectrally selective absorption.
- To demonstrate a bandgap-independent photodetection mechanism using localized temperature gradients.
- To explore applications in hyperspectral and broadband photodetectors.
Main Methods:
- Design and fabrication of subwavelength thermoelectric nanostructures.
- Integration of resonant absorption and thermoelectric junctions within a suspended membrane.
- Characterization of wavelength-specific detection and responsivity using materials like bismuth telluride/antimony telluride and chromel/alumel.
Main Results:
- Achieved wavelength-specific detection with tunable resonant absorption.
- Demonstrated high input power responsivity up to 38 V/W and a bandwidth of nearly 3 kHz.
- Showcased a bandgap-independent photodetection mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Subwavelength thermoelectric nanostructures offer a promising route for advanced photodetector designs.
- These resonant nanophotonic thermoelectric materials are suitable for non-bandgap-limited hyperspectral and broadband optoelectronic applications.
- The developed approach enhances photodetection performance independent of material bandgap.
