GaN nanowire ultraviolet photodetector with a graphene transparent contact

Abstract

We report on the fabrication of graphene contact to GaN nanowire ensemble and on the demonstration of photodetectors using chemical vapor deposition-grown few-layered graphene as a transparent electrode. The optimization of the transfer method allowed to form a continuous contact to the nanowires over a large area. The adhesion energy of the graphene sheet to the nanowire ensemble is estimated to be 0.3–0.7 J/m2. Ultraviolet photodetectors with a room-temperature responsivity of ∼25 A/W at 357 nm were fabricated. The photocurrent spectrum shows that the device has a strong response up to 4.15 eV confirming a good transparency of the top graphene contact.