Self-Integrated Hybrid Ultraviolet Photodetectors Based on the Vertically Aligned InGaN Nanorod Array Assembly on Graphene

Integration of one-dimensional (1D) semiconductors with two-dimensional (2D) materials into hybrid systems is identified as promising applications for new optoelectronic and photodetection devices. Herein, a self-integrated hybrid ultraviolet (UV) photodetector based on InGaN nanorod arrays (NRAs) sandwiched between transparent top and back graphene contacts forming a Schottky junction has been demonstrated for the first time. The controlled van der Waals epitaxy of the vertically aligned InGaN NRA assembly on graphene-on-Si substrates is achieved by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Moreover, the self-assembly formation mechanisms of InGaN NRAs on graphene are clarified by theoretical calculations with first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. The peculiar 1D/2D heterostructure hybrid system-based integrated UV photodetector simultaneously exhibits ultrafast response time (∼50 μs) and superhigh photosensitivity (∼10⁵ A/W). It is highly believed that the concept proposed in this work has a great potential and can be widely applied for the next-generation integrated 1D/2D nano-based optoelectronic and photodetection devices.