Efficient room-temperature terahertz detection via bolometric and photothermoelectric effects in EuBiTe3 crystal

Abstract

We report on terahertz (THz) detectors with a high performance at room temperature using EuBiTe3 crystals as the active material under mechanisms of bolometric and photothermoelectric effects (PTE). Our detectors have a simple structure and can achieve high sensitivity, even without a coupling antenna and optimization of the thermal environment. Under bias conditions, our results suggest that the bolometric responsivities of the EuBiTe3 photodetector at 1.84, 2.52, and 3.11 THz are 0.35, 0.88 and 1.32 A/W in air, and the noise-equivalent power (NEP) are 43.6, 16.4, 10.9 nW/Hz1/2, respectively. Under unbiased condition, our device exhibits excellent PTE response for THz detection. As a self-powered photodetector, it exhibits NEPs as low as 4.3 nW/Hz1/2 in air and 300 pW/Hz1/2 in vacuum under the illumination of 2.52 THz, respectively. In addition, in order to optimize detector performance, it is worthy for considering manufacturing two-dimensional(2D) structural devices for the layered structure of EuBiTe3 crystal. Our devices provide an exciting way toward developing efficient and high-performance room temperature THz photodetectors.