Optoelectronic and optomechanical properties of few-atomic-layer black phosphorus nanoflakes as revealed by in situ TEM

The optoelectronic signatures of free-standing few-atomic-layer black phosphorus nanoflakes are analyzed by in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As compared to other 2D materials, the band gap of black phosphorus (BP) is related directly to multiple thicknesses and can be tuned by nanoflake thickness and strain. The photocurrent measurements with the TEM show a stable response to infrared light illumination and change of nanoflakes band gap with deformation while pressing them between two electrodes assembled in the microscope. The photocurrent spectra of an 8- and a 6-layer BP nanoflake samples are comparatively measured. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to identify the band structure changes of BP during deformations. The results should help to find the best pathways for BP smart band gap engineering via tuning the number of material atomic layers and programmed deformations to promote future optoelectronic applications.