Van der Waals interfaces in multilayer junctions for ultraviolet photodetection

Abstract Developments in semiconductor science have led to the miniaturization and improvement of light detection technologies for many applications. However, traditional pn-junctions or three-dimensional device geometries for detection of ultraviolet (UV) light are still limited by the physical properties of the semiconductors used, such as the small penetration depth of UV light in silicon. Van der Waals (vdW) semiconductors and their pn-junctions can offer an alternative solution due to their optical properties and thin pn-junction region. Here, we report on a multi-layer junction that combines single layer graphene and vdW semiconductors (p-GaSe and n-In₂Se₃) with strong optical absorption in the UV range. The junctions have broadband spectral response (0.3-1.0 μm) and high photoresponsivity under forward and reverse bias, or without any externally applied voltage. The photoresponse differs from that of a traditional pn-junction diode as it is governed by charge transport across thin layers and light-current conversion at three vdW interfaces (e.g. the graphene/GaSe, GaSe/In₂Se₃ and In₂Se₃/graphene interfaces). The type-II band alignment at the GaSe/In₂Se₃ interface and electric field at the three vdW interfaces are beneficial to suppress carrier recombination for enhanced photoresponsivity (up to ~10² A/W) and detectivity (up to ~10¹³ Jones), beyond conventional UV-enhanced silicon detection technology.