2D Material light–emitting transistor with a dynamically controllable emission location for optimized waveguide coupling on silicon

Read full text
Authors: Chen Li, Yongzhuo Li, Yutong Zhong, Yuqian Tang, Cun-Zheng Ning
Cited by: 1
References: 56

Abstract

Two-dimensional semiconductors are promising for silicon-compatible on-chip light sources. However, substantial challenges persist regarding component performance, functional integration, and the lack of optimal system architectures. Specifically, the precise integration of nanoscale light sources with photonic components, such as waveguides, remains difficult because of stringent alignment requirements. Here, we demonstrate a silicon-compatible MoTe 2 light-emitting transistor (LET) featuring both electrical switching and dynamically reconfigurable light emission. The device operates as an ambipolar transistor with a high on/off ratio (>10 5 ) and uses a voltage-tunable dynamic p-i-n junction, enabling electrically programmable electroluminescence (EL) positioning across the 15-micrometer channel. We further integrate the LET with a silicon waveguide acting as a back gate. The emission around 1300 nanometers is dynamically tuned and coupled into the waveguide, collected via grating couplers. We achieve an electrically reconfigurable EL localization in silicon-integrated devices and a record efficiency of 67%. This work enables the development of reconfigurable photonic circuits by overcoming integration bottlenecks.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Photonic and Optical Devices 2D Materials and Applications Mechanical and Optical Resonators

Publication details

Journal / source
Science Advances
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Volume
12
Issue
14
Pages
eaeb8783–eaeb8783
Publication date
3 April 2026
Language
EN