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Local avalanche photodetectors driven by lightning-rod effect and surface plasmon excitations
Nature Communications
|December 3, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel ultraviolet avalanche photodetector (APD) using micro-holes and aluminum nano-triangles. This device achieves a significantly lower breakdown voltage and high sensitivity, eliminating the need for complex quenching circuits for applications like fire detection.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Materials Science
- Semiconductor Devices
Background:
- Ultraviolet (UV) avalanche photodetectors (APDs) are crucial for fire detection and space exploration.
- Existing UV APDs face challenges like high breakdown voltage, complex quenching circuits, and thermal runaway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and demonstrate a 4H-SiC APD with enhanced performance for UV detection.
- To overcome limitations of conventional APDs by reducing breakdown voltage and eliminating quenching circuits.
Main Methods:
- A 4H-SiC APD design incorporating micro-holes (MHs) and aluminum nano-triangles (NTs).
- Utilizing localized surface plasmon excitations and the lightning-rod effect to enhance the surface electric field.
Main Results:
- Achieved a low avalanche breakdown voltage of approximately 14.5 V.
- Demonstrated high detectivity (2 × 1013 Jones) and nanosecond-level response time.
- Exhibited stable, repeated detections without requiring a quenching circuit.
Conclusions:
- The novel APD design significantly reduces avalanche breakdown voltage by an order of magnitude compared to conventional wide-bandgap APDs.
- This micro-hole and nano-triangle enhanced APD is a promising solution for UV detection and integrated optoelectronic circuits.
