Highly Sensitive Detection of Polarized Light Using Anisotropic 2D ReS₂

TLDR

2D materials are increasingly studied for optoelectronic applications, yet discovering new properties and functionalities remains challenging yet promising. The study demonstrates linear dichroic photodetection with high photoresponsivity, aiming to exploit intrinsic anisotropy of 2D materials for light‑polarization detection. The photoresponse anisotropy arises from the unique in‑plane crystal anisotropy of few‑layer ReS₂, matching its optical absorption anisotropy. Broadband polarization‑sensitive photodetectors based on few‑layer ReS₂ exhibit n‑type behavior, ~40 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ mobility, 10⁵ on/off ratio, and high photoresponsivity.

Abstract

Due to the novel optical and optoelectronic properties, 2D materials have received increasing interests for optoelectronics applications. Discovering new properties and functionalities of 2D materials is challenging yet promising. Here broadband polarization sensitive photodetectors based on few layer ReS 2 are demonstrated. The transistor based on few layer ReS 2 shows an n‐type behavior with the mobility of about 40 cm 2 V −1 s −1 and on/off ratio of 10 5 . The polarization dependence of photoresponse is ascribed to the unique anisotropic in‐plane crystal structure, consistent with the optical absorption anisotropy. The linear dichroic photodetection with a high photoresponsivity reported here demonstrates a route to exploit the intrinsic anisotropy of 2D materials and the possibility to open up new ways for the applications of 2D materials for light polarization detection.