Single crystalline SmB₆ nanowires for self-powered, broadband photodetectors covering mid-infrared

Self-powered photodetectors with a broadband response have attracted great attention due to their potential applications in sensing, imaging, communication, and spectroscopy. Specifically, those with the detection wavelength range covering mid-infrared at room temperature are very challenging and highly desired. Here, the photoresponse of self-powered SmB₆ photodetectors is demonstrated through the spatially resolved photocurrent mapping. The photocurrent originates from the interface between the SmB₆ and Au electrodes due to the charge separation by built-in electric fields at the interface. It exhibits a stable photoresponse over broadband wavelengths ranging from 488 nm to 10.6 μm at room-temperature. Our results suggest that the chemical vapor deposition grown SmB₆ nanowires could be promising candidates for future broadband self-powered detectors and pave the way toward SmB₆-based optoelectronic applications.