Photoresponse of Graphene Channel in Graphene-Oxide-Silicon Photodetectors

Graphene-on-silicon photodetectors exhibit broadband detection capabilities with high responsivities, surpassing those of their counterpart semiconductors fabricated purely using graphene or Si. In these studies, graphene channels were considered electrically neutral, and signal amplification was typically attributed to the photogating effect. By contrast, herein, we show graphene channels to exhibit p-type characteristics using a structure wherein a thin oxide layer insulated the graphene from Si. The p-type carrier concentration is higher (six-times) than the photoaging-induced carrier concentration and dominates the photocurrent. Additionally, we demonstrate photocurrent tunability in the channel. By operating this device under a back-gated bias, photocurrent tuning is realized with not only amplification but also attenuation. Gate amplification produces a current equal to the photogating current at a low bias (0.2 V), and it is approximately two orders of magnitude larger at a bias of 2 V, indicating the operation effectiveness. Meanwhile, photocurrent attenuation enables adjustments in the detector output for compatibility with read-out circuits. A quantification model of gate-dependent currents is further established based on the simulation model used for metal-oxide-semiconductor devices. Thus, this study addresses fundamental issues concerning graphene channels and highlights the potential of such devices as gate-tunable photodetectors in high-performance optoelectronics.

Automated summary

Graphene-on-silicon photodetectors with a thin oxide layer exhibit p-type characteristics and have high responsivities, surpassing those of pure graphene or Si detectors. The p-type carrier concentration dominates the photocurrent, and photocurrent tunability is achieved through back-gated biasing. Gate amplification produces a current equal to the photogating current at a low bias, and photocurrent attenuation enables adjustments in detector output. This study establishes a model for gate-dependent currents and highlights the potential of gate-tunable photodetectors in high-performance optoelectronics.