Nanomaterials-based UV photodetectors

In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive summary on the latest achievements in the design and fabrication of ultraviolet visible-blind photodetectors based on the nanostructured materials, and of some of their exciting applications. We commence by summarizing the fundamental performance indicators and figures of merit of photodetectors. We discuss the most common design layouts and their photodetection mechanisms. A detailed review of the utilization of zero-, one-, two-, and three-dimensional materials for the fabrication of advanced photodetectors is provided with focus on the most successful materials engineering strategies. The benefits of the various materials and designs are critically examined providing directions for future improvement and possible research directions. We conclude with a broad appraisal of the latest achievements and of the key milestones toward the development of the future generation of ultra-miniaturized, very low-power ultra-violet photodetectors.