Compact Designer Detectors Based on 2D-Plexcitonic Heterostructures

Author(s):

Ibrahim Boulares, Christopher T. Kuhs, Matthew L. Chin, Mahesh Neupane, Philip Kim, Jue Wang, Nadine Leisgang, Robert J. Boyd, Daniel Rhodes, Henry O. Everitt, Sina Najmaei, and Blair C. Connelly

Abstract:

Realization of disruptive technological breakthroughs requires investigating fundamentally different materials than those currently employed, as well as utilizing advanced physical properties and device architectures. Emerging 2D van der Waals heterostructures show promise for devices with unprecedented levels of tunability through the 0.75–2.00 eV spectral range, as well as functionality through using different layer thicknesses, stacking configurations, and chemical modifications. To exploit these properties, we investigated the basic physical interactions in heterogeneously stacked 2D transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with plasmonic nanoparticles that can be exploited for advanced optoelectronic devices. Our efforts demonstrated room-temperature interlayer excitons in TMDs and plasmonic coupling between gold nanocubes and a TMD monolayer. Additionally, we investigated lithography techniques for pattering plasmonic arrays onto TMD monolayers. Finally, we used computational modeling to examine the band structure of TMD heterostructures to predict a device’s optical properties and compare them with future experiments. This effort aims to pioneer the development of hybrid 2D TMD plasmonic-nanoparticle excitonic, or “plexcitonic,” devices for transformational high-speed, low-energy optoelectronics. By tailoring a plexcitonic device’s material properties, using engineered stacking configurations and plasmonic couplings, we will gain unprecedented control of device performance. This will benefit remote and distributed sensing applications with orders-of-magnitude improvement in size, weight, and power and device responsivities.