Performance of low-dimensional solid infrared detectors: summary (Invited Paper)

The paper summarizes the performance of new-generation infrared detectors, primarily based on 2D materials, perovskites, and colloidal quantum dots. Technological advancements have led to the evolution of detector architectures that enhance device sensitivity, improve frequency response rates, reduce noise levels, and increase gain bandwidth.

Initially, the key mechanisms of detector operation are briefly discussed, including those found in the new generation of low-dimensional solid (LDS) photodetectors. Next, the most important properties of individual new-generation materials are briefly described. In the next step, the performance of LDS photodetectors is compared with that of standard materials dominating the commercial market; including HgCdTe alloys, type-II superlattices, quantum wells, and lead salts. Some of the published results for the new generation photodetectors indicate the performance overestimation.

At the current stage of technological development, LDS structures have a limited area, which contributes to their high cost in industrial applications. Technological immaturity adversely affects the homogeneity of pixel arrays, a critical factor in fabrication. For the above reasons, further expansion of the LDS family of materials for optoelectronic applications is anticipated to be still ahead.