Broadband Infrared Photodetection Using a Narrow Bandgap Conjugated Polymer

Authors

Jarrett H. Vella, Wright-Patterson AFB
Lifeng Huang, University of Southern Mississippi
Naresh Eedugurala, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Kevin S. Mayer, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Tse Nga Ng, The Electrical and Computer Engineering DepartmentFollow
Jason D. Azoulay, University of Southern MississippiFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2021

School

Polymer Science and Engineering

Abstract

Photodetection spanning the short-, mid-, and long-wave infrared (SWIR-LWIR) underpins modern science and technology. Devices using state-of-the-art narrow bandgap semiconductors require complex manufacturing, high costs, and cooling requirements that remain prohibitive for many applications. We report high-performance infrared photodetection from a donor-acceptor conjugated polymer with broadband SWIR-LWIR operation. Electronic correlations within the π-conjugated backbone promote a high-spin ground state, narrow bandgap, long-wavelength absorption, and intrinsic electrical conductivity. These previously unobserved attributes enabled the fabrication of a thin-film photoconductive detector from solution, which demonstrates specific detectivities greater than 2.10 × 10⁹ Jones. These room temperature detectivities closely approach those of cooled epitaxial devices. This work provides a fundamentally new platform for broadly applicable, low-cost, ambient temperature infrared optoelectronics.

Comments

© Science Advances

Publication Title

Science Advances

Volume

7

Issue

24

Recommended Citation

Vella, J., Huang, L., Eedugurala, N., Mayer, K., Ng, T., Azoulay, J. (2021). Broadband Infrared Photodetection Using a Narrow Bandgap Conjugated Polymer. Science Advances, 7(24).
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/18834