Abstract
The photo-Dember effect arises from the asymmetric diffusivity of photoexcited electrons and holes, which creates a transient spatial charge distribution and hence the buildup of a voltage. Conventionally, a strong photo-Dember effect is only observed in semiconductors with a large asymmetry between the electron and hole mobilities, such as in GaAs or InAs, and is considered negligible in graphene due to its electron-hole symmetry. Here, we report the observation of a strong lateral photo-Dember effect induced by nonequilibrium hot carrier dynamics when exciting a graphene-metal interface with a femtosecond laser. Scanning photocurrent measurements reveal the extraction of photoexcited hot carriers is driven by the transient photo-Dember field, and the polarity of the photocurrent is determined by the device's mobility asymmetry. Furthermore, ultrafast pump-probe measurements indicate the magnitude of photocurrent is related to the hot carrier cooling rate. Our simulations also suggest that the lateral photo-Dember effect originates from graphene's 2D nature combined with its unique electrical and optical properties. Taken together, these results not only reveal a new ultrafast photocurrent generation mechanism in graphene but also suggest new types of terahertz sources based on 2D nanomaterials.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
