Plasmonic-enhanced carbon nanotube infrared bolometers

Plasmonic nanoantennas show significant potential in photodetection applications, but the extent to which their full potential can be realized is dictated by the volume and location of the active materials within the plasmonic structure. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been used as a novel material in photodetection application due to their excellent electronic and optoelectronic properties. However, difficulties in the integration of CNTs in the gaps of nanoantennas have limited the investigation of antenna-coupled CNT detectors. Here, we demonstrate a unique plasmonic approach for selectively growing CNTs in the gap of nanoantenna arrays for fabrication of plasmonic infrared bolometers operating at room temperature. Strong concentration of light at the tips of nanoantennas was utilized for localized heating and growth of CNTs. Moreover, interaction of this strong optical field with the small volume of CNTs enhanced the photoresponse of the bolometers. Consequently, a high responsivity of about 800 V W−1 was achieved at room temperature. (paper)