High-performance terahertz modulators induced by substrate field in Te-based all-2D heterojunctions

High-performance active terahertz modulators are crucial for next-generation communication technology, but current designs struggle with balancing modulation depth and speed. This research introduces two-dimensional (2D) tellurium (Te) nanofilms as optically controlled terahertz modulators, demonstrating that their integrated heterojunctions significantly improve device performance. Photoresponse measurements highlight the importance of stacking order. First-principles calculations clarify the substrate-induced electric field and its role in charge transfer and interlayer exciton recombination, advancing the use of Te nanomaterials in terahertz optoelectronics.

Pujing Zhang, Qihang Liang, Qingli Zhou, Jinyu Chen, Menglei Li, Yuwang Deng, Wanlin Liang, Liangliang Zhang, Qinghua Zhang, Lin Gu, Chen Ge, Kui-juan Jin, Cunlin Zhang, Guozhen Yang