English

Nonlinear photocurrent in quantum materials for broadband photodetection

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics 2024-06-19 v1 Applied Physics

Abstract

Unlocking the vast potential of optical sensing technology has long been hindered by the challenges of achieving fast, sensitive, and broadband photodetection at ambient temperatures. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the study of nonlinear photocurrent in topological quantum materials, and its application in broadband photodetection without the use of p-n junction based semiconductor diodes. The intrinsic quadratic transverse current-input voltage relation is used to rectify the alternating electric field from incident radio, terahertz or infrared waves into a direct current, without a bias voltage and at zero magnetic field. We review novel photocurrents in several material systems, including topological Weyl semimetals, chiral crystals, ferroelectric materials, and low dimensional topological insulators. These quantum materials hold tremendous promise for broadband high-frequency rectification and photodetection, featuring substantial responsivity and detectivity.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2406.11982,
  title  = {Nonlinear photocurrent in quantum materials for broadband photodetection},
  author = {Yulin Shen and Louis Primeau and Jiangxu Li and Tuan-Dung Nguyen and David Mandrus and Yuxuan Cosmi Lin and Yang Zhang},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2406.11982},
  year   = {2024}
}

Comments

Review article, 24 pages + 19 figures