Channel Scaling Dependent Photoresponse of Copper-Based Flexible Photodetectors Fabricated Using Laser-Induced Oxidation

Copper (Cu) oxide compounds (CuxO), which include cupric (CuO) and cuprous (Cu2O) oxide, have been recognized as a promising p-channel material with useful photovoltaic properties and superior thermal conductivity. Typically, deposition methods or thermal oxidation can be used to obtain CuxO. However, these processes are difficult to apply to flexible substrates because plastics have a comparatively low glass transition temperature. Also, additional patterning steps are needed to fabricate applications. In this work, we fabricated a metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector using laser-induced oxidation of thin Cu films under ambient conditions. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to study the composition and morphology of our devices. Moreover, the photoresponse of this device is reported herein. We performed an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the channel size and number of carriers using scanning photocurrent microscopy. The carrier transport behaviors were identified; the photocurrent decreased as the length and width of the channel increased. Furthermore, we verified the suitability of the device as a flexible photodetector using a variety of bending tests. Our in-depth analysis of this Cu-based flexible photodetector could play an important role in understanding the mechanisms of other flexible photovoltaic applications.

Automated summary

Copper oxide compounds have been recognized as promising p-channel materials with useful photovoltaic properties and superior thermal conductivity. However, the current deposition methods or thermal oxidation processes are difficult to apply to flexible substrates. In this study, we fabricated a metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector using laser-induced oxidation of thin Cu films under ambient conditions and analyzed its composition, morphology, and photoresponse. We also investigated the relationship between channel size and carriers using scanning photocurrent microscopy and verified the flexibility of the device through bending tests.