Unexplored photoluminescence from bulk and mechanically exfoliated few layers of Bi2Te3

TL;DR

This study reveals unusual photoluminescence properties in bulk and few-layer Bi2Te3, a topological insulator, supported by experimental observations and theoretical calculations, indicating potential for optoelectronic applications.

Contribution

It is the first to report broad visible photoluminescence in bulk and exfoliated Bi2Te3, combining experimental and theoretical insights.

Findings

Broad red emission observed in bulk and few-layer Bi2Te3

Experimental results align with ab initio density functional theory

Photoluminescence behavior is exotic and previously unexplored

Abstract

We report the exotic photoluminescence (PL) behaviour of 3D topological insulator Bi2Te3 single crystals grown by customized self-flux method and mechanically exfoliated few layers (18 plus minus 2 nm)/thin flakes obtained by standard scotch tape method from as grown Bi2Te3 crystals.The experimental PL studies on bulk single crystal and mechanically exfoliated few layers of Bi2Te3 evidenced a broad red emission in the visible region. These findings are in good agreement with our theoretical results obtained using the ab initio density functional theory framework.