Metasurface-tuned light-matter interactions for high-performance photodetectors

Photodetection, the conversion of optical signals to electrical signals, plays a pivotal role in optical communication, sensing, and computing. However, with the advent of novel applications such as quantum computing, intelligent driving, high-speed communication, and augmented reality, traditional photodetectors encounter challenges associated with miniaturization, the assurance of high performance, and the need for multifunctionality. These demands have prompted the development of novel photodetectors. One particularly promising avenue involves integrating conventional photodetection with metasurfaces. Metasurfaces facilitate highly localized field manipulation and versatile modes control at the subwavelength scale via plasmon resonance or Mie scattering, thereby enabling superior performance and multifunctionality detection. Consequently, metasurface-enhanced photodetectors have garnered significant attention in recent years. This review provides an overview of the unique roles played by metasurfaces in photodetection and summarizes notable breakthroughs in recent years.