Emerging Trends in Photodetector Technologies

Dear Colleagues,

Photodetectors are pivotal in bridging optical and electronic domains and underpin various critical applications, from high-speed communications and biomedical imaging to environmental monitoring and consumer electronics. This dynamic field is rapidly advancing, driven by breakthroughs in materials science, novel device architectures, and the escalating demands of technological advancements.

Recent research has highlighted the development of novel materials beyond traditional silicon, including 2D materials, perovskites, and wide-bandgap semiconductors, which each offer distinct advantages in terms of their spectral range, sensitivity, and response speed. Concurrently, innovative device concepts, such as single-photon avalanche diodes and self-powered photodetectors, are providing unprecedented solutions for specific application scenarios. Key emerging trends also encompass the integration of CMOS for the development of compact systems-on-chip, flexible and wearable photodetectors, and an increased synergy with AI for optimized device design and sophisticated signal processing. These advancements are paving the way for next-generation imaging, quantum sensing, and optical communication systems.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions on innovative materials, novel device designs, advanced fabrication techniques, and compelling applications that emphasize interdisciplinary and real-world approaches, reflecting the forefront of photodetection research.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• Advanced materials for photodetection
• Novel photodetector architectures
• single-spectral/multispectral photodetectors
• Flexible, wearable, and transparent photodetector integration
• On-chip/CMOS-compatible photodetectors
• Emerging applications in imaging, communications, and sensing
• AI-enhanced design, modeling, and signal processing for photodetectors

Dr. Dongyang Han
Guest Editor

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