Terahertz Detection with Optically Gated Halide Perovskites

Abstract

The main properties of halide perovskites useful for solar cells make them also attractive for terahertz (THz) applications. This class of materials, well studied in the optical range, remains much less studied in the THz range. Meanwhile, increasing the efficiency of pulsed terahertz sources and detectors due to more advanced designs or new materials is one of the main directions in the field of terahertz technologies. Here, roomtemperature detection of THz pulses propagating in free space with unbiased halide perovskites is demonstrated. The ultrafast change of conductivity that occurs in single crystals and polycrystalline films of lead methylammonium halides excited by a femtosecond laser enables efficient coherent detection of THz radiation. The results demonstrate the viability of solution-processable halide perovskite for the fabrication of photoconductive THz detectors and the further development of scalable and cost-effective sensor manufacturing for THz time-domain spectroscopy, imaging, and other photonic THz devices.

Perovskite single pixel imaging exceeding the visible towards X-ray and THz

“…This performance, highlighted by a specific detectivity ( D *) of 1.5 × 10 8 Jones, surpasses many graphene-based devices, marking a significant breakthrough in THz detection technology and paving the way for advanced imaging and sensing applications. Makarov et al 24 developed the single-crystalline MAPbI 3 and MAPbBr 3 -based THz photoconductive detectors with a core detection mechanism of capturing the oscillations of electric fields in the time domain. This is achieved by measuring the photocurrent that emerges in the optically excited perovskites when they are subjected to THz pulse exposure.…”

“…To date, halide perovskites, known for their broad-spectrum light absorption, 18,19 and high charge carrier mobility, 20 are emerging as promising candidates for advanced sensor applications across a wide range of spectra, including gamma-ray, 21 X-ray, 22,23 UV-Vis-NIR, 20 and THz. 24 Nonetheless, the chemical vulnerability of halide perovskites, 25 particularly their sensitivity to moisture and polar solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 26 and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), 25 poses significant challenges for their integration into traditional photolithography processes. 27 These processes, crucial for the manufacturing of CMOS or CCD imaging technologies, involve the use of various solvents in photoresists, developers, etchants, or strippers.…”