Spatiotemporal imaging of photogenerated charge carriers in optoelectronic materials

This review offers a comprehensive examination of spatiotemporal imaging techniques used to investigate photogenerated carrier transport in optoelectronic materials. We highlight recent advancements in experimental methodologies, including ultrafast transient absorption (TA) microscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) microscopy, and scanning ultrafast electron microscopy (SUEM), all of which enable high-resolution tracking of carrier dynamics in both time and space domains. Each method is analyzed regarding its advantages and limitations, underscoring its applicability to various material systems and specific probing scenarios. By focusing on key material systems, such as perovskites and two-dimensional (2D) materials, this review demonstrates how these advanced techniques deepen our understanding of charge carrier transport and recombination mechanisms. Ultimately, we illustrate how these insights can lead to impactful applications that enhance device efficiency and reveal new functionalities. By consolidating our findings, we highlight the crucial role of spatiotemporal investigations in catalyzing innovations in materials engineering and devices within the fields of ultrafast science and optoelectronics.