Applying 2DEG in High-Performance Mid-Infrared Photodetection

High-speed and highly sensitive infrared photodetectors are regarded as one of the most essential components in modern photonic devices and technology because of constantly emerging application scenarios. In this paper, an ultrafast and extremely low noise mid-infrared (MIR) photodetector is reported at both room and cryogenic temperatures by leveraging the high-mobility 2D electron gas (2DEG) at the polar CdTe/PbTe heterostructure interface. The detector simultaneously exhibits a peak detectivity of approximate to 4.2 x 10(11) Jones with rapid response in the order of 10 ns, which is substantially superior to the state-of-the-art 2DEG MIR detectors made of 2D layered materials. The ultrafast response with extremely low noise of the 2DEG photodetector is attributed to the unique band alignment at the interface. The practical infrared imaging application is further showcased using the 2DEG MIR detector by revealing the fine features of a MIR radiation target. This work highlights the promising prospect of utilizing the unique 2DEG interface in the field of high-speed and highly sensitive MIR detection.

Automated summary

This paper reports an ultrafast and extremely low noise mid-infrared (MIR) photodetector achieved at both room and cryogenic temperatures by utilizing the high-mobility 2D electron gas (2DEG) at the polar CdTe/PbTe heterostructure interface. The detector exhibits a peak detectivity of approximately 4.2 x 10(11) Jones with a rapid response in the order of 10 ns, surpassing the state-of-the-art 2DEG MIR detectors made of 2D layered materials. The unique band alignment at the interface is responsible for the ultrafast response with extremely low noise of the 2DEG photodetector. The practical infrared imaging application is demonstrated using the 2DEG MIR detector, revealing fine features of a MIR radiation target. This work highlights the promising prospect of using the unique 2DEG interface in high-speed and highly sensitive MIR detection.