In a recent breakthrough, researchers have developed ultra-wideband heterogeneous photodiodes using thin-film lithium niobate (LiNbO3). This technology could enable applications in sensing, communications, and imaging, such as high-resolution imaging, ultra-fast data transmission, and spectroscopy. LiNbO3 is an optically nonlinear material that can convert light into electrical signals and is capable of operating at ultra-wide bandwidths. The new photodiodes are fabricated on a single chip, using a process that is compatible with commercial CMOS processes. This makes them more compact and efficient than traditional photodiodes. Furthermore, they are able to detect light at a wide range of wavelengths, from visible to near-infrared. This means that the photodiodes can be used in a variety of applications, such as spectroscopic imaging, ultra-high data rate communication, and sensing. The researchers have also demonstrated that the photodiodes can detect light with extremely high speed and sensitivity. This makes them suitable for use in applications that require high-speed data transmission and sensing.

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source: Phys.org