Solution-processed high-performance photodetector based on a new triisopropylsilylethynyl anthracene derivative

•Organic single crystal showed a sensitive response to green light.•The specific detectivity was on the order of 4.1 × 1011 Jones.•The operating mechanism was found to be a gain-generation process.•This is among the best results of organic single crystalline photodetector.

A new triisopropylsilylethynyl anthracene derivative was synthesized with extended aromatic groups at the 2- and 6-positions of anthracene for application in a high-performance photodetector. To optimize charge transport characteristics and photodetection ability, single crystal with high aspect ratio was employed as photo-active semiconductor layer. When operated at room temperature under ambient conditions, the photodetector based on a single crystal showed a sensitive response to green light, with a responsivity >10 A/W and specific detectivity on the order of 1011 Jones. Based on a systematic analysis of the photocurrent behavior as a function of the interfacial properties, illuminated optical power and the applied bias, the operating mechanism of the photodetector was found to be a gain-generation process.

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