Monolayer Graphene Terahertz Detector Integrated with Artificial Microstructure

Sensors (Basel). 2023 Mar 17;23(6):3203. doi: 10.3390/s23063203.

Abstract

Graphene, known for its high carrier mobility and broad spectral response range, has proven to be a promising material in photodetection applications. However, its high dark current has limited its application as a high-sensitivity photodetector at room temperature, particularly for the detection of low-energy photons. Our research proposes a new approach for overcoming this challenge by designing lattice antennas with an asymmetric structure for use in combination with high-quality monolayers of graphene. This configuration is capable of sensitive detection of low-energy photons. The results show that the graphene terahertz detector-based microstructure antenna has a responsivity of 29 V·W-1 at 0.12 THz, a fast response time of 7 μs, and a noise equivalent power of less than 8.5 pW/Hz1/2. These results provide a new strategy for the development of graphene array-based room-temperature terahertz photodetectors.

Keywords: microstructure; monolayer graphene; terahertz detector.