Energy-Information Synergy via Weyl Semimetal and Topological Insulator.

Wang, Hangxiang; Jialiang, Gong; Li, Hui; Wang, Xiaoyun; Chen, Xiaoshuang; Wang, Lin · Nano Lett · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) require photodetectors that combine high-sensitivity, high-speed, and on-chip communication functions under low power and broad bandwidth. Here, we demonstrate such versatility through energy-information synergy in a single topological device. We present a TaIrTe<sub>4</sub>/Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub> van der Waals heterojunction operating at zero external bias via photothermoelectric effect and topological surface state transport. It functions concurrently as a highly sensitive subterahertz energy harvester and a wideband heterodyne receiver. The device exhibits a zero-bias responsivity of 2.25 A/W, a NEP of 2.13 pW/Hz<sup>0.5</sup>, and a submicrosecond response time. In communication mode, it supports operational coverage from the L- to W-band with a conversion bandwidth of 54 GHz and an ultralow excitation threshold below -20 dBm. System-level validation is confirmed through wireless data transmission in the W-band. This study explores a topological approach for next-generation ISAC devices, designed to concurrently improve energy harvesting and signal processing performance.