Microscopic understanding of the photoconduction effect in graphene

Abstract

We investigate the photoresponse of intrinsic graphene in an in-plane electric field. Toward that end, we employ a microscopic approach that allows us to determine the time- and momentum-resolved charge-carrier distributions as a result of the interplay between the field-induced acceleration of optically excited carriers and Coulomb- and phonon-driven carrier scattering. Calculating the generated photocurrent that is determined by the asymmetry of the carrier distribution, we reveal the microscopic foundation of the photoconduction effect in graphene. In particular, we discuss the possibility of tuning the photocurrent via externally accessible knobs, such as electric field, temperature, and substrate. Furthermore, we study the impact of Auger-induced carrier multiplication on the photocurrent in graphene.