Research progress on topological material-based photodetectors

Abstract

Topological materials (TMs), namely topological insulators and semimetals, have unique physical properties, such as non-trivial surface states, linear electron dispersion, and high carrier mobility. Therefore, TMs appear promising in low-power and broad-spectrum photodetectors. This review provides an in-depth look at the current research in TM-based photodetectors. We critically discuss the growth methods and heterostructure fabrication of these emerging photodetectors. We also summarize the photodetecting performances of TMs, which allows us to better understand their strengths and weaknesses. Finally, challenges and perspectives on these emerging photodetectors are given, providing a foundation for further exploration of their great potential.