Enhanced ultraviolet photodetector using zinc oxide nanowires with intense pulsed light post-treatment

Abstract Ultraviolet photodetectors are used in various applications in the military, industrial, and scientific field among others. In this regard, high responsivity, fast response and recovery, visible light blind, and low-cost fabrication are required for the effective use of UV photodetectors. Zinc oxide nanowires contribute to these factors, thereby making it a suitable material. In this study, zinc oxide nanowires were synthesized by hydrothermal method on SiO2 substrate, followed by the repeated exposure to an energy of 1.84 J/cm2 by intense pulsed light post-treatment, and were subsequently used in ultraviolet photodetectors. The characterization results showed the improved crystallinity and electrical properties of ZnO nanowires. Particularly, the oxygen deficiency concentration on their surface increased by photoreduction, and light energy was converted to thermal energy, thereby increasing the Zn–O–Zn bonding force, similar to the effects of thermal treatment. This plays a highly important role in controlling the depletion region of UV photodetectors. Finally, the performance of the UV photodetectors improved was improved. This improvement was exhibited by the increase of the electrical current by approximately 3.31 times and extremely short processing time of 6.25 s, compared to the use of untreated ZnO nanowires.