Article

Engineers at Duke University have developed a pyroelectric photodetector that operates at gigahertz frequencies, achieving a response time of 125 picoseconds. This ultrathin device uses a metasurface structure with silver nanocubes to enhance light absorption and functions without external power at room temperature.

The photodetector's multispectral capability makes it suitable for applications in remote sensing, agriculture, and medical diagnostics. Future enhancements aim to integrate pyroelectric materials within the metasurface for further performance gains. The research was funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.