Photodetectors with a Bipolar Stacked Structure and Their Application

Bipolar photodetectors are a type of photodetector that utilizes bipolar heterojunctions to convert light into electrical signals. They are well suited for a variety of optoelectronic signal conversion applications because of their wide-spectrum detection, spectral self-recognition, and flexible fabrication advantages. Therefore, broad prospects for bipolar photodetectors are introduced in multiple emerging fields, including target detection imaging, optoelectronic logic circuits, and optoelectronic communication devices. In this review, the operating principle and key performance parameters of bipolar photodetectors are first introduced. Then, an extensive explanation of the material and construction of bipolar photodetectors is presented. Lastly, applications of bipolar photodetectors for imaging, sensing, and logical operation are discussed. It is expected that by leveraging the characteristics of highly sensitive bipolar photodetectors, the development of highly integrated optoelectronics will be facilitated, along with new solutions for intelligent optoelectronic detection and perception.