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Breaking symmetry in device design for self-driven 2D material based photodetectors
Qi Wang1, Changjian Zhou, Yang Chai
1South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China. zhoucj@scut.edu.cn.
Nanoscale
|April 3, 2020
Summary
This minireview explores symmetry breaking in two-dimensional (2D) material photodetectors for self-driven, low-power applications. Symmetry breaking enables novel mechanisms for efficient light detection in devices for the internet of things and wearable electronics.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Graphene and other two-dimensional (2D) materials show promise for optoelectronic devices.
- Self-driven photodetectors are crucial for low-power internet of things and wearable electronics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review self-driven photodetectors based on 2D materials.
- To elaborate on the principle of symmetry breaking for self-driven properties.
- To assess current device performance and future directions.
Main Methods:
- Focus on symmetry breaking as a general principle.
- Discuss mechanisms: asymmetrical contact engineering, field-induced asymmetry, PN homojunctions, and PN heterostructures.
- Review and compare device examples.
Main Results:
- Symmetry breaking is key to achieving self-driven functionality in 2D material photodetectors.
- Various methods effectively break symmetry to enable self-driven operation.
- Current devices show potential but require further optimization.
Conclusions:
- Self-driven 2D material photodetectors offer a pathway to power-efficient optoelectronics.
- Further research into symmetry breaking mechanisms can enhance device performance.
- Future work should focus on optimizing devices for target applications.
