Thermoelectric graphene photodetectors with sub-nanosecond response times at terahertz frequencies

Ultrafast and sensitive (noise equivalent power <1 nW Hz(-1/2)) light-detection in the terahertz (THz) frequency range (0.1-10 THz) and at room-temperature is key for applications such as time-resolved THz spectroscopy of gases, complex molecules and cold samples, imaging, metrology, ultra-high-speed data communications, coherent control of quantum systems, quantum optics and for capturing snapshots of ultrafast dynamics, in materials and devices, at the nanoscale. Here, we report room-temperature THz nano-receivers exploiting antenna-coupled graphene field effect transistors integrated with lithographically-patterned high-bandwidth (similar to 100 GHz) chips, operating with a combination of high speed (hundreds ps response time) and high sensitivity (noise equivalent power <= 120 pW Hz(-1/2)) at 3.4 THz. Remarkably, this is achieved with various antenna and transistor architectures (single-gate, dual-gate), whose operation frequency can be extended over the whole 0.1-10 THz range, thus paving the way for the design of ultrafast graphene arrays in the far infrared, opening concrete perspective for targeting the aforementioned applications.

Automated summary

In the terahertz frequency range and at room temperature, ultrafast and sensitive light detection is achieved using antenna-coupled graphene field effect transistors integrated with high-bandwidth chips, paving the way for various applications such as time-resolved spectroscopy and quantum control.