In a study published in Light: Science & Applications, researchers from the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences developed an anisotropic schottky photodetector (ASPD) system utilizing two-dimensional (2D) materials to achieve unprecedented levels of photosensitivity and imaging quality. Traditional polarized detection process often has limitations in sensitivity and resolution. To address these challenges, researchers designed an ASPD system that leverages the unique properties of 2D materials and operates on the principle of anisotropic photoresponse, where the photoresponse varies with the polarization state of the incident light. This allows for highly accurate detection of polarized light.
To ensure the optimal performance, researchers meticulously engineered the ASPD system, which involves simulating the electric field distribution at the edge of the electrodes, where the Schottky contact is formed. They also carefully selected the material composition and thickness to achieve the desired resonance at infrared (IR) wavelengths. Finally, they were able to stabilize the resonance and enhance the photosensitivity of the system.
The ASPD system exhibits several advantages over existing polarized detection technologies. Firstly, it demonstrates an anisotropic ratio of approximately two, indicating a significant difference in photoresponse between different polarization states. Secondly, it shows excellent photosensitivity, with the ability to detect weak light signals with high accuracy. Furthermore, its relatively simple manufacturing process makes it more universally applicable, overcoming the limitations imposed by material anisotropy.
Researchers conducted a series of experiments to demonstrate the system's capabilities. They used the system to capture real-time imaging under different polarized angles of IR light. The results showed distinct profiles of the patterns under various polarization angles, demonstrating the system's excellent near-infrared optoelectronic imaging capability. They also introduced the ASPD system into a convolutional neural network (CNN) for image recognition training and classification. The CNN achieved high training accuracy.
The ASPD system's high photosensitivity, anisotropic ratio, and simple manufacturing process make it a promising candidate for various applications. This system is expected to play a pivotal role in revolutionizing the field of imaging and detection.
