A Bifunctional Colloidal Quantum Dot Diode for Nanosecond Short-Wave Infrared Detection and Emission

Abstract

Short-wave infrared (SWIR) technologies are vital for optical communication, all-weather imaging, and advanced spectroscopy. Using a single diode for light detection and emission can reduce device footprints, lower cost and enable fast, bidirectional communication. However, dual detection/emission operation often involves incompatible choices of material and stack design, which result in devices with inferior performance. Here, we introduce a bifunctional PbS QD diode stack that achieves, for the first time, nanosecond-fast photodetection and emission in a single SWIR device. Using thin active layers with high charge-carrier mobility and compact geometries, we demonstrate a record 2 ns response in photodiode (QDPD) mode and 11.7 ns rise time/6.5 ns fall time in light-emitting diode (QDLED) mode. This high-speed operation is combined with a 49% external quantum efficiency (EQE) and 2.6 × 10¹² cm·Hz^0.5·W⁻¹ detectivity for QDPD operation, while the QDLED reaches 8.1% EQE. These high-speed, compact devices unify imaging and detection with a single, CMOS-compatible platform, and set the stage for integrated SWIR photonics and bidirectional optical interconnects. This work demonstrates the potential of QDs to unify imaging, detection, and communication in a single materials platform.