Thin film synthesis of SbSI micro-crystals for self-powered photodetectors with rapid time response

We describe a new thin film deposition method for the growth of crystalline SbSI micro-needles via the conversion of Sb2S3 using SbI3 vapour, in a facile process that takes less than 15 minutes. These films were used to construct photodetectors in a sandwich-type architecture, which are superior to previously reported SbSI photodetectors. The devices exhibit a detectivity of D* = 109 Jones, a signal-to-noise ratio greater than SNR = 103 and a responsivity of R = 10−5 A W−1. In time response measurements, raise and fall times of less than 8 ms and 34 ms were determined. This manufacturing method greatly simplifies the creation of fast photodetectors.