Avalanche-Enhanced Infrared Photodetection via Interlayer Absorption in a WSe<sub>2</sub>/MoS<sub>2</sub> Heterostructure.

Son, Bongkwon; Son, Hyeonchang; Kim, Youngmin; Kim, Daeyeon; Kim, Ki Han; Jang, Byung Chul; Kang, Dong-Ho; Nam, Donguk · Nano Lett · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Infrared photodetectors are crucial for a broad range of emerging optical applications. Type-II band alignment in two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures whose constituent layers possess visible-range bandgaps enables sub-bandgap infrared photoresponse via interlayer optical transitions. However, the responsivity of such devices remains limited by intrinsically weak optical absorption associated with interlayer transitions. Here, we demonstrate an interlayer-absorption avalanche photodiode based on a WSe<sub>2</sub>/MoS<sub>2</sub> heterostructure, harnessing avalanche multiplication to overcome the weak interlayer absorption. Sub-bandgap infrared illumination (1,064 nm) generates photocurrent through interlayer absorption within the heterostructure, while avalanche multiplication is induced in an adjacent WSe<sub>2</sub> region. As a result, the device exhibits a 63-fold enhancement in responsivity, reaching 1 mA/W. These results establish avalanche multiplication as an effective internal-gain mechanism for interlayer-absorption photodetectors, highlighting a scalable route toward sensitive infrared detection using 2D semiconductor platforms.