Electrically Tunable and Linearly Polarized Mid-Infrared Photoluminescence in 2D Tellurium

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optoelectronics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Efficient mid-infrared (mid-IR) emitters are crucial for on-chip optical interconnects, enabling low-loss transmission and chemical sensing.
• Existing mid-IR light sources often lack the tunability and polarization control required for advanced photonic integrated circuits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate 2D tellurium (Te) nanoflakes as efficient, electrically tunable, and linearly polarized mid-IR emitters.
• To explore the potential of Te nanoflakes in high-speed electro-optical switches and programmable logic gates.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and characterization of 2D Te nanoflake devices.
• Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy to analyze emission properties.
• Dual-gate device structure for independent control of doping and electric field.

Main Results:

• Achieved electrically tunable mid-IR photoluminescence (PL) at ≈3.4 µm with near-complete intensity modulation.
• Demonstrated near-perfect linear polarization of mid-IR emission.
• Confirmed gate-controlled carrier density as the primary mechanism for PL tunability.
• Successfully implemented high-speed electro-optical switches and programmable logic gates.

Conclusions:

• 2D Te nanoflakes are a promising cornerstone material for hybrid electronic-photonic systems.
• Te's unique properties address the demand for efficient mid-IR components in next-generation optical interconnects.
• Demonstrated robust control over mid-IR emission for advanced optoelectronic applications.