Tellurium thin films for fast and sensitive SWIR photodetectors
Innovative tellurium thin films offer a fast, sensitive solution for SWIR photodetection. These films are CMOS-compatible and exhibit superior electrical and optoelectrical properties. They are developed using low-cost hydrothermal synthesis and are ideal for scalable, wafer-scale applications.
Overview
Tellurium (Te) thin films present a groundbreaking solution for short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) photodetection, offering fast response times and high sensitivity. With a direct bandgap of 0.3 eV, Te is an ideal material for SWIR sensing applications. The films are produced using a low-cost hydrothermal method, which is scalable and suitable for CMOS-compatible manufacturing. Leveraging existing photovoltaic manufacturing processes, Te films can be quickly deployed for industrial applications.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Material: Elemental Tellurium (Te), ideal for SWIR detection due to its direct bandgap of 0.3 eV.
- CMOS Compatibility: Direct deposition on silicon substrates without high-temperature processes.
- Manufacturability: Utilizes mature processes from telluride thin film production for rapid deployment.
- Performance: Demonstrates high photoresponsivity of over 50 A/W and external quantum efficiency greater than 4000%.
- Response Time: Achieves ~20 µs rise and decay time at 1550 nm.
- Stability: Excellent air stability with no noticeable degradation over several months.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory environment. Future work includes scaling the deposition process to wafer-scale and optimizing device performance through iterative testing and benchmarking against current technologies.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is a flagship, comprehensive public research university spanning multiple campuses, with a large research enterprise and clinical integration. Industry engages through co-located labs on the Twin Cities campuses, access to an academic health system for clinical translation, and pilot and field-testing facilities that speed scale-up. A statewide extension network and outreach centers provide real-world sites and data partnerships across Minnesota, while proximity to a dense medtech and Fortune 500 corridor enables frequent collaboration. Research is supported by competitive federal funding, including NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, sponsored research agreements, and startup incubation to speed commercialization.
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