Holey single-walled carbon nanotubes for ultra-fast broadband bolometers

Photogating interfacial effects in carbon nanotube-based transistors on a Si/SiO2 substrate toward highly sensitive photodetection

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are considered to be promising material platforms for various photodetectors (including phototransistors) due to their unique optoelectrical properties (e.g., high mobility and a wide variety of bandgap values). Herein, we present highly sensitive phototransistors which utilised sparse networks of SWCNTs on a silicon/silica substrate and operated by means of the photogating effect. The response of SWCNTs to photo-induced electrostatic charges (photogating effect) was highly dependent on the conductivity type of the channel, which was "metallic" or "semiconducting", depending on the SWCNT density. We determined the performance of these transistors depending on the characteristics of the substrate and conductivity type of the SWCNT channel. The optimized configuration of phototransistors with a channel comprising a sparse network of SWCNTs permitted improvement in the specific detectivity and relative response compared with previously reported photodetectors based on graphene and carbon nanotubes. We demonstrated an absolute responsivity of ∼60 A W-1 at an incident light power of ∼2 nW, specific detectivity of 7.8 × 1011 cm·Hz1/2 W-1, and response time of 300 μs. These data revealed the high potential of photogating-based SWCNTs detectors for extremely weak signals with a high signal-to-noise ratio.

Ultra-Low-Density Carbon Nanotube Aerogel Film for Fast and Sensitive Bolometric Sensing

In various applications, infrared (IR) detectors with quick responses and high sensitivity at room temperature are essential. This work synthesizes carbon nanotube aerogel films (CAFs) with an ultra-low density of 1.33 mg cm^-3. Transient electrothermal (TET) technology is used to characterize the thermal and electrical transport of CAFs in the temperature range of 320 to 10 K. CAF has record-low thermal conductivity (2.5 mW m^-1 K^-1 at 320 K) and thermal diffusivity (2.24 × 10^-6 m² s^-1 at 320 K) in vacuum. The TCR of CAF is -0.11%/K at 295 K, which is 57% higher than that of the MWCNT films. In addition, the comprehensive bolometric performance of carbon nanotube aerogels is tested and analyzed, including the photothermal response, resistivity responsivity, and response time to lasers of a broad spectrum from ultraviolet to near-infrared. The relative responsivity of CAF to lasers of different wavelengths is found to be consistent. The response time of CAF with 200 μm suspended length is measured to be as short as 2.95-3.03 ms (framing rate of 330-339 per second). In addition, the resistive response of the CAF sample to a blackbody radiator and the radiation of the human hand also shows good sensitivity and repeatability. These results demonstrate the promising application of CAF as a sensitive and fast-response uncooled bolometer.

Tuning Bolometric Parameters of Sierpinski Fractal Antenna-Coupled Uncracked/Cracked SWCNT Films by Thermoelectric Characterization at UHF Frequencies

In this work, the bolometric parameters of Sierpinski fractal antenna-coupled SWCNT semi-metallic films are obtained by thermoelectric characterization, this in order to find out the performance as bolometer. The method was based on an experimental setup considering a line-of-sight wireless link between two identical planar fractal antennas, infrared thermography, and electrical resistance measurements. The experimental setup considered the antennas resonant frequencies. Both the transmitting and receiving antenna were third-iteration Sierpinski fractal dipoles designed to work at UHF frequencies. Films made either of cracked or uncracked SWCNT films were each separately coupled to the receiving fractal antenna. Measurements showed that the receiving antenna that was impinged with radiation at UHF frequencies coming from the transmitting antenna, experienced as it was expected an induction of electric current, the induced current flowed through the film producing a temperature change, which in turn caused changes in the radiated heat of the film, as well as changes in the electrical resistance known as Temperature Coefficient of Resistance TCR. The maximum value of TCR for uncracked SWCNT films was −3.6%K−1, higher than the one observed for cracked SWCNT films which exhibited a maximum value of −1.46%K−1. Measurements for conversion of incident radiation to electrical signals known as the Voltage Responsivity ℜv, exhibited values of 9.4 mV/W and 1.4 mV/W for uncracked SWCNT films and cracked SWCNT films, respectively.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Germanium Heterojunction for High-Performance Near-Infrared Photodetector

In this research, we report on a high-performance near-infrared (near-IR) photodetector based on single-walled carbon nanotube-germanium (SWCNT-Ge) heterojunction by assembling SWCNT films onto n-type Ge substrate with ozone treatment. The ozone doping enhances the conductivity of carbon nanotube films and the formed interfacial oxide layer (GeOx) suppresses the leakage current and carriers’ recombination. The responsivity and detectivity in the near-IR region are estimated to be 362 mA W−1 and 7.22 × 1011 cm Hz1/2 W−1, respectively, which are three times the value of the untreated device. Moreover, a rapid response time of ~11 μs is obtained simultaneously. These results suggest that the simple SWCNT-Ge structure and ozone treatment method might be utilized to fabricate high-performance and low-cost near-IR photodetectors.