Ultrasensitive Ferroelectric Semiconductor Phototransistors for Photon-Level Detection

Low-light-level photodetections are highly desired in the fields of astronomy and quantum information. However, the existing techniques suffer from high operation voltages and complexity of fabrication, which reduces its compatibility with complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS) based read-out circuit and prevent the use of imaging. Here, a low-light-level phototransistor that employs a photo-induced ferroelectric reversal mechanism in a ferroelectric semiconductor channel: alpha-In2Se3 is demonstrated. It shows a record-low noise-equivalent power of 7.9 x 10(-22) W Hz(-1/2), a record-high specific detectivity of 6.34 x 10(17) Jones, and sensitivity approaching 20 photons in a photon-counting mode, and fast time response of 260 mu s/50 ns in the rise/decay period. It also works as an optoelectronic memory with an on/off ratio of 2.9 x 10(5), retention of longer than 10 years, and endurance of more than 10(6) cycles. Due to its high performance, simple architecture, and small operation voltage, the phototransistor provides a feasible platform for new-generation low-light-level image sensors.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates a low-light-level phototransistor that utilizes a photo-induced ferroelectric reversal mechanism, achieving record-breaking performance and offering potential applications.