Modeling of Phototransistors Based on Quasi-Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

This study introduces a comprehensive physical modeling framework for phototransistors based on quasi-two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, with a particular emphasis on MoS<sub>2</sub>. By integrating electromagnetic simulations of optical absorption with semiconductor trans...

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Main Authors: Sergey D. Lavrov, Andrey A. Guskov
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Modelling
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-3951/6/2/47
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author Sergey D. Lavrov
Andrey A. Guskov
author_facet Sergey D. Lavrov
Andrey A. Guskov
author_sort Sergey D. Lavrov
collection DOAJ
description This study introduces a comprehensive physical modeling framework for phototransistors based on quasi-two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, with a particular emphasis on MoS<sub>2</sub>. By integrating electromagnetic simulations of optical absorption with semiconductor transport calculations, the model captures both dark and photocurrent behaviors across diverse operating conditions. For 20 nm MoS<sub>2</sub> films, the model reproduces the experimental transfer characteristics with a threshold voltage accuracy better than 0.1 V and achieves quantitative agreement with photocurrent and dark current values across the full range of gate voltages, with the worst-case deviation not exceeding a factor of seven. Additionally, the model captures a three-order-of-magnitude increase in the photocurrent as the MoS<sub>2</sub> thickness varies from 4 nm to 40 nm, reflecting the strong thickness dependence observed experimentally. A key insight from the study is the critical role of defect states, including traps, impurities, and interfacial imperfections, in governing the dark current and photocurrent under channel pinch-off conditions (Vg < −1.0 V). The model successfully replicates the qualitative trends observed in experimental devices, highlighting how small variations in film thickness, doping levels, and contact geometries can significantly influence device performance, in agreement with published experimental data. These findings underscore the importance of precise defect characterization and optimization of material and structural parameters for 2D-material-based phototransistors. The proposed modeling framework serves as a powerful tool for the design and optimization of next-generation phototransistors, facilitating the integration of 2D materials into practical electronic and optoelectronic applications.
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spelling doaj-art-195f8954398f4e8a896fadd0a97a090b2025-08-20T03:16:21ZengMDPI AGModelling2673-39512025-06-01624710.3390/modelling6020047Modeling of Phototransistors Based on Quasi-Two-Dimensional Transition Metal DichalcogenidesSergey D. Lavrov0Andrey A. Guskov1Department of Nanoelectronics, MIREA—Russian Technological University, 78 Vernadsky Avenue, 119454 Moscow, RussiaDepartment of Nanoelectronics, MIREA—Russian Technological University, 78 Vernadsky Avenue, 119454 Moscow, RussiaThis study introduces a comprehensive physical modeling framework for phototransistors based on quasi-two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, with a particular emphasis on MoS<sub>2</sub>. By integrating electromagnetic simulations of optical absorption with semiconductor transport calculations, the model captures both dark and photocurrent behaviors across diverse operating conditions. For 20 nm MoS<sub>2</sub> films, the model reproduces the experimental transfer characteristics with a threshold voltage accuracy better than 0.1 V and achieves quantitative agreement with photocurrent and dark current values across the full range of gate voltages, with the worst-case deviation not exceeding a factor of seven. Additionally, the model captures a three-order-of-magnitude increase in the photocurrent as the MoS<sub>2</sub> thickness varies from 4 nm to 40 nm, reflecting the strong thickness dependence observed experimentally. A key insight from the study is the critical role of defect states, including traps, impurities, and interfacial imperfections, in governing the dark current and photocurrent under channel pinch-off conditions (Vg < −1.0 V). The model successfully replicates the qualitative trends observed in experimental devices, highlighting how small variations in film thickness, doping levels, and contact geometries can significantly influence device performance, in agreement with published experimental data. These findings underscore the importance of precise defect characterization and optimization of material and structural parameters for 2D-material-based phototransistors. The proposed modeling framework serves as a powerful tool for the design and optimization of next-generation phototransistors, facilitating the integration of 2D materials into practical electronic and optoelectronic applications.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-3951/6/2/47phototransistor modelingtransition metal dichalcogenidesMoS<sub>2</sub> photodetectorquasi-two-dimensional materialsoptoelectronicsphotocurrent analysis
spellingShingle Sergey D. Lavrov
Andrey A. Guskov
Modeling of Phototransistors Based on Quasi-Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Modelling
phototransistor modeling
transition metal dichalcogenides
MoS<sub>2</sub> photodetector
quasi-two-dimensional materials
optoelectronics
photocurrent analysis
title Modeling of Phototransistors Based on Quasi-Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
title_full Modeling of Phototransistors Based on Quasi-Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
title_fullStr Modeling of Phototransistors Based on Quasi-Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
title_full_unstemmed Modeling of Phototransistors Based on Quasi-Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
title_short Modeling of Phototransistors Based on Quasi-Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
title_sort modeling of phototransistors based on quasi two dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides
topic phototransistor modeling
transition metal dichalcogenides
MoS<sub>2</sub> photodetector
quasi-two-dimensional materials
optoelectronics
photocurrent analysis
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-3951/6/2/47
work_keys_str_mv AT sergeydlavrov modelingofphototransistorsbasedonquasitwodimensionaltransitionmetaldichalcogenides
AT andreyaguskov modelingofphototransistorsbasedonquasitwodimensionaltransitionmetaldichalcogenides