Ultrasensitive and Self-Powered Terahertz Detection Driven by Nodal-Line Dirac Fermions and Van der Waals Architecture

Abstract

Terahertz detection has been highly sought to open a range of cutting-edge applications in biomedical, high-speed communications, astronomy, security screening, and military surveillance. Nonetheless, these ideal prospects are hindered by the difficulties in photodetection featuring self-powered operation at room temperature. Here, this challenge is addressed for the first time by synthesizing the high-quality ZrGeSe with extraordinary quantum properties of Dirac nodal-line semimetal. Benefiting from its high mobility and gapless nature, a metal-ZrGeSe-metal photodetector with broken mirror symmetry allows for a high-efficiency photoelectric conversion assisted by the photo-thermoelectric effect. The designed architecture features ultrahigh sensitivity, excellent ambient stability, and an efficient rectified signal even above 0.26 THz. Maximum responsivity larger than 0.11 A W−1, response time of 8.3 µs, noise equivalent power (NEP) less than 0.15 nW Hz−1/2, and demonstrative imaging application are all achieved. The superb performances with a lower dark current and NEP less than 15 pW Hz−1/2 are validated through integrating the van der Waals heterostructure. These results open up an appealing perspective to explore the nontrivial topology of Dirac nodal-line semimetal by devising the peculiar device geometry that allows for a novel roadmap to address targeted terahertz application requirements.