Device characterization of CdSe/poly[2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)- 1,4-(1-cyanovinylene)phenylene] nanocomposite infrared photodetectors deposited via matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation on GaAs
The drop-casting of hybrid nanocomposite thin films results in lack of control over film thickness and nanoparticle distribution, thereby posing a serious challenge to achieving high performance infrared photodetectors. In this work, hybrid nanocomposite deposition is accomplished using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE), which enables tuning of the internal morphology and is investigated for comparison to the drop-casting technique. Photoluminescence spectroscopy, room-temperature dark current-voltage, and room-temperature infrared spectral response measurements of hybrid nanocomposites deposited via drop-casting and MAPLE on GaAs substrates are presented. This materials and device characterization demonstrates the benefits of MAPLE deposition over drop casting, as well as the efficacy of hybrid nanocomposites for room-temperature, mid-infrared photodetection through the use of intraband transitions. © 2009 Materials Research Society.