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    Engineering unidirectional photocurrent in isotype-Ga2O3/GaN-based light-activated diodes

    Arnab Mondal1, Indraneel Sanyal2, Satinder Sharma1, Jen-Inn Chyi3, and Ankush Bag4,5,*

    • *Contact author: bag.ankush@gmail.com

    Phys. Rev. Applied 25, 024086 – Published 26 February, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/tgc4-k6lw

    Abstract

    This study investigates the optoelectronic properties of n-n isotype Ga2O3/GaN heterojunctions, demonstrating their potential as light-activated diodes under ultraviolet (UV) spectra. The heterojunction exhibits type II staggered band alignment with a valence-band offset of 1.56 eV and conduction-band offset of −0.16 eV. Under dark conditions, the heterojunction device acts as a double Schottky diode connected back-to-back with asymmetric I-V characteristics. Under UV illumination (254–365 nm), the device transitions from OFF state to a rectifying state, achieving a rectification ratio exceeding 103 with a photo-to-dark-current ratio of ≈1.3 × 103. This rectification arises from band offset and interface trap states, enabling unidirectional photocurrent flow dominated by thermionic field emission under forward bias. The device also demonstrates high responsivity and functions effectively as a half-wave rectifier for sinusoidal signals, with minimal power consumption (1.76 nW) in the dark. This isotype Ga2O3/GaN heterojunction can offer a promising platform for applications in optical logic, secure communication, crosstalk-free UV imaging, and light-triggered switches, advancing the development of high-performance, optically controlled rectifiers.

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