Efficient Photodetection via High Aspect Ratio Core-Shell Nanowire Array

Abstract

Here we propose a Cu₂O-ZnO-based high-aspect ratio core-shell nanowire (with radial p-n junction) for efficient photodetection via a cost-effective fabrication route. The proposed platform exploits enhanced active depletion area offered by radial p-n junction in high aspect ratio nanowires, along with this excellent transport properties of the device. This results in superior light-matter interaction and better charge collection efficiency. The proposed device demonstrates significant improvement in responsivity via a simple fabrication approach and offers a compact and cost-effective alternative to complex, highly sensitive photodetectors. It can find applications in remote sensing, medical diagnostics barcode readers, and wireless environmental monitoring. Moreover, the enhanced light-matter interaction via the proposed approach can be useful in various other applications such as Solar Cells, Light Emitting Diodes, and Optical Modulation.