Photodetectors based on two-dimensional (2D) materials have been the focus of intensive research and development over the past decade. However, a gap has long persisted between fundamental research and mature applications. One of the main reasons behind this gap has been the lack of a practical and unified approach for the characterization of their figures of merit, which should be compatible with the traditional performance evaluation system of photodetectors. This is essential to determine the degree of compatibility of laboratory prototypes with industrial technologies. Here we propose general guidelines for the characterization of the figures of merit of 2D photodetectors and analyze common situations when the specific detectivity, responsivity, dark current, and speed can be misestimated. Our guidelines should help improve the standardization and industrial compatibility of 2D photodetectors.

The very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR, >14 µm) spectral band is an indispensable part of new-generation infrared remote sensing. Mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe or MCT) has shown excellent potential across the entire infrared band. However, the dark current, which is extremely sensitive to the technological level and small Cd composition, severely limits the performance of VLWIR HgCdTe photodiodes. In this study, cut-off wavelengths of up to 15 µm for HgCdTe devices with novel P-G-I (including wide bandgap p-type cap layer, grading layer and intrinsic absorption layer) designs have been reported. Compared with a device with a double-layer heterojunction (DLHJ) structure, the designed P-G-I structure successfully reduced dark current by suppressing the Shockley–Read–Hall process. Considering the balance of quantum efficiency and dark current, with the introduction of an approximately 0.8 µm thickness Cd composition grading layer, the device can achieve a high detectivity of up to 2.5×10¹¹ cm Hz^1/2 W⁻¹. Experiments show that the P-G-I-T device has a lower dark current and a better SRH process suppressing ability than DLHJ devices, the measured detectivity achieved 8.7×10¹⁰ cm Hz^1/2 W⁻¹. According to additional research, the trap-assisted tunneling current is the primary component of the dark current. Controlling the trap concentration to as low as 1×10¹³ cm⁻³ will be continuous and meaningful work. The proposed study provides guidance for VLWIR HgCdTe photodetectors.