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Sub-pA dark current infrared photodetection enabled by polarized water-intercalated heterojunctions

Author

Listed:
  • Chang Liu

    (Hunan University
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Lin Tang

    (Hunan University)

  • Yawei Lv

    (Hunan University)

  • Long Chen

    (Hunan University)

  • Yilu Qin

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Sen Zhang

    (Hunan University)

  • Shihao Zhao

    (Hunan University)

  • Shuimei Ding

    (Hunan University)

  • Xin Zhang

    (Hunan University)

  • Pan Xu

    (Hunan University)

  • Chao Ma

    (Hunan University)

  • Xingqiang Liu

    (Hunan University)

  • Fang Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Peng Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xudong Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yuan Liu

    (Hunan University)

  • En-Ge Wang

    (Peking University)

  • Lei Liao

    (Hunan University)

  • Xuming Zou

    (Hunan University)

Abstract

Barrier detectors such as nBn and pBp architectures (formed by a n- or p-type contact layer, a barrier layer and a n- or p-type absorber) aim to block one carrier type while allowing the other to pass, but require complex hetero-integration and precise band engineering. Here, we propose an ultra-thin polar barrier strategy using a 0.75 nm water-intercalated WSe2/H2O/PdSe2 heterostructure. The confined water layer forms a clean, well-ordered interface and further generates a precisely oriented polarization field that depletes electrons in WSe2, significantly suppressing dark current to sub-pA levels across all biases, while enabling efficient tunneling of photogenerated holes. The device shows broadband photoresponse from the ultraviolet to mid-wave infrared (MWIR), with a room-temperature average detectivity exceeding 10¹⁰ cm Hz¹/² W⁻¹ in the MWIR. It also features ultrafast response (~3 μs), polarization light sensitivity, and two-year stability. Our work establishes a platform for high-performance infrared photodetection via van der Waals gap engineering.

Suggested Citation

  • Chang Liu & Lin Tang & Yawei Lv & Long Chen & Yilu Qin & Sen Zhang & Shihao Zhao & Shuimei Ding & Xin Zhang & Pan Xu & Chao Ma & Xingqiang Liu & Fang Wang & Peng Wang & Xudong Wang & Yuan Liu & En-Ge , 2025. "Sub-pA dark current infrared photodetection enabled by polarized water-intercalated heterojunctions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59211-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59211-5
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