Ferroelectric Oxide Thin Films as a Promising Route for Self-Powered Photodetection

Self-powered photodetectors are advantageous over conventional photodetectors because they can have outstanding performance in the absence of an external power source, which is important for a range of applications, including in the Internet of Things. Current research has demonstrated different types of self-powered photodetectors utilizing the photovoltaic effect, pyroelectric effect, piezoelectric effect, and synergic effects, such as the piezo-phototronic and pyro-phototronic effects [1,2]. Very recently, a novel type of self-powered photodetector exploring the coupling between the photovoltaic, the pyroelectric and the ferroelectric effects (i.e., ferro-pyro-phototronic effect) has attracted great interest, owing to the excellent photo current response achieved with this triple coupling [3].
In this talk, I will highlight some of our recent results related to the use of the ferro-pyro-phototronic effect in achieving high-performing self-powered photodetectors [4,5]. First, I will demonstrate the triple multifunctionality observed in 0.5Ba(Zr_0.2Ti_0.8)O₃–0.5(Ba_0.7Ca_0.3)TiO₃ (BCZT) thin films. The photo-response of the device, with excitation from a violet laser, is carefully investigated, and it is shown that the photodetector performance was significantly better than that of the devices operating based only on the pyro-phototronic effect by a factor of 4, due to the presence of ferroelectricity in the system. Furthermore, fast rise and fall times of 2,4 and 1,5 microseconds, respectively, are obtained, which are 35,000 and 36,000 times faster rise and fall responses, respectively, than previous reports of devices with the ferro–pyro–phototronic effect. Second, I will show for the first time a novel strategy for achieving near infrared self-powered photodetectors based on CMOS-compatible ZrO₂ films grown on Si, operating at room temperature. The lack of power requirement, absence of cooling needs and the CMOS compatibility is game-changing features opening up entirely new applications, e.g. long ranging surveillance imaging, autonomous IoT sensors and medical diagnostics.
In brief, I will revise the multiple positive implications of the use of ferroelectric oxide thin films as a platform for achieving self-powered photodetectors via the ferro-pyro-phototronic effect.

[1] Z. Wang, R. Yu, C. Pan, Z. Li, J. Yang, F. Yi, Z. L. Wang, Nature Communications 6, 8401 (2015).
[2] Qi. Yang, X. Guo, W. Wang, Y. Zhang, S. Xu, D. H. Lien, Z. L. Wang, ACS Nano 4, 6285–6291 (2010).
[3] A.R. Jayakrishnan, J.P. Silva, K. Gwozdz, M.J. Gomes, R.L. Hoye, J.L. MacManus Driscoll, Nano Energy 118, 108969 (2023).
[4] J.P. Silva, K. Gwozdz, L.S. Marques, M. Pereira, M.J. Gomes, J.L. MacManus Driscoll, R.L. Hoye, R.L., 2023. Carbon Energy 5, e297 (2023).
[5] N. E. Silva, A. R. Jayakrishnan, A. Kaim, K. Gwozdz, L. Domingues, J. S. Kim, M. C. Istrate, C. Ghica, M. Pereira, L. Marques, M. J. M. Gomes, R. L. Z. Hoye, J. L. MacManus Driscoll, J. P. B. Silva, Advanced Functional Materials (under review).