Recent Progress of Quantum Dot-Based Photonic Devices and Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Materials, Devices, and Applications

Recently, photonic technologies have attracted lots of interests in the demand of high-performance sensor devices. In particular, multifunctional photodetectors based on low-dimensional nanomaterials have enabled to address complex environmental conditions and data processing for wide range of emerging applications, such as soft robotics, biomedical devices, and neuromorphic computing hardware, translating into mechanically flexible platforms that can offer reliable information. Semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) are one of the promising candidates for such photonic applications due to their excellent optical absorption coefficient, wide bandgap tunability, and structural stability as well as high-throughput production capabilities, such as low-cost, large-area, and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductors (CMOS) compatible solution processability. Herein, essential investigations of the emerging photonic devices and systems are presented, focusing on materials, devices, and applications. In addition, diverse hybrid device architectures, which integrate the QD materials with various semiconductors, are fully examined to introduce the newly developed high-performance wearable photodetectors and neuromorphic applications. Finally, research challenges and opportunities of the QD-based photonic devices are also discussed, keeping forward-looking perspective and system points of view.

Automated summary

Photonic technologies have seen increased interest in high-performance sensor devices, particularly in the use of multifunctional photodetectors based on low-dimensional nanomaterials. Semiconducting quantum dots show promise for these applications due to their optical absorption coefficient, bandgap tunability, and compatibility with large-scale production processes. The research delves into materials, devices, applications, and hybrid device architectures to advance wearable photodetectors and neuromorphic applications. Challenges and opportunities for QD-based photonic devices are also discussed with a forward-looking perspective.