Pronounced Photovoltaic Response from Multi-layered MoTe₂ Phototransistor with Asymmetric Contact Form

In this study, we fabricate air-stable p-type multi-layered MoTe₂ phototransistor using Au as electrodes, which shows pronounced photovoltaic response in off-state with asymmetric contact form. By analyzing the spatially resolved photoresponse using scanning photocurrent microscopy, we found that the potential steps are formed in the vicinity of the electrodes/MoTe₂ interface due to the doping of the MoTe₂ by the metal contacts. The potential step dominates the separation of photoexcited electron-hole pairs in short-circuit condition or with small V _sd biased. Based on these findings, we infer that the asymmetric contact cross-section between MoTe₂-source and MoTe₂-drain electrodes is the reason to form non-zero net current and photovoltaic response. Furthermore, MoTe₂ phototransistor shows a faster response in short-circuit condition than that with higher biased V _sd within sub-millisecond, and its spectral range can be extended to the infrared end of 1550 nm.