Few-layer MoS₂ with high broadband photogain and fast optical switching for use in harsh environments

Few-layered MoS₂ as Schottky metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors (MSM PDs) for use in harsh environments makes its debut as two-dimensional (2D) optoelectronics with high broadband gain (up to 13.3), high detectivity (up to ∼10¹⁰ cm Hz^1/2/W), fast photoresponse (rise time of ∼70 μs and fall time of ∼110 μs), and high thermal stability (at a working temperature of up to 200 °C). Ultrahigh responsivity (0.57 A/W) of few-layer MoS₂ at 532 nm is due to the high optical absorption (∼10% despite being less than 2 nm in thickness) and a high photogain, which sets up a new record that was not achievable in 2D nanomaterials previously. This study opens avenues to develop 2D nanomaterial-based optoelectronics for harsh environments in imaging techniques and light-wave communications as well as in future memory storage and optoelectronic circuits.