Title: Far-infrared detection using Weyl semimetals

Abstract

The generation of photocurrent in an ideal two-dimensional Dirac spectrum is symmetry forbidden. In sharp contrast, a three-dimensional Weyl semimetal can generically support significant photocurrent due to the combination of inversion symmetry breaking and finite tilts of the Weyl spectrum. To realize this photocurrent, a noncentrosymmetric Weyl semimetal is coupled to a pair of electrodes and illuminated with circularly polarized light without any voltage applied to the Weyl semimetal. The wavelength of the incident light can range over tens of microns and can be adjusted by doping the Weyl semimetal to change its chemical potential.

Inventors:

Chan, Ching-Kit; Lee, Patrick A.; Lindner, Netanel; Refael, Gil; Ma, Qiong; Xu, Suyang; Gedik, Nuh

Issue Date:

2018-10-02

Research Org.:

Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1489040

Patent Number(s):

10090466

Application Number:

15/656,373

Assignee:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01J - MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRA-RED, VISIBLE OR ULTRA-VIOLET LIGHT

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01L - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES

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G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01J - MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRA-RED, VISIBLE OR ULTRA-VIOLET LIGHT

G01J1/0429 - {using polarisation elements}
G01J1/44 - Electric circuits {
G01J2001/4446 - {Type of detector}
G01J3/0224 - {using polarising or depolarising elements}
G01J5/10 - using electric radiation detectors

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01L - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES

H01L31/0264 - Inorganic materials

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DOE Contract Number:  

FG02-03ER46076; FG02-08ER46521

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2017 Jul 21

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English