Spectral response of the MnO2 thin-film photodetector based at room temperature

Thin films (TF) of Manganese dioxide (MnO2) were prepared by Electron-beam (E-beam) Evaporator method. Herein we demonstrate the structural, and electrical properties of the as-deposited MnO2 TF for photodetector applications. The XRD reveals the crystallinity nature of MnO2. The Tauc plot shows a bandgap of 2.6 eV and 1.6 eV. In the Au/MnO2/p-Si device, when light is illuminated on the device, the current density got enhanced as compared to that of the dark condition. Because more carriers are generated when light is illuminated, and moreover, there happens an efficient separation of the carriers due to the strong electric field. The photoresponse range varies from 370 to 800 nm with the highest response at 590 nm. Depending on the application of a photodetector (PD), the other critical parameters are taken into consideration such as the ability of a PD to detect even weak signals, sensitivity (how much is it sensitive in a certain spectral range of wavelength), and the response time. The response time of a PD was found to be of 0.21 sec (rise time) and 0.05 sec (fall time) suggesting a promising potential in pho-todetector applications.Copyright (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Confer-ence on Emerging Trends in Nanomaterials Science & Technology.