UV-VIS sensor system based on SnO2 nanowires

We demonstrate the application of low density SnO2 nanowire mats in a complete UV-VIS sensor system. Ultra long nanowires were grown the first time on 'black silicon' substrates by high temperature condensation, yielding high quantity and quality. Compared to other metal oxides like ZnO, fast response times of under 1 s and recovery times of 10 s at room temperature were observed. Wavelength and power dependent resistance changes are determined. High sensitivity is achieved for UV radiation below 400 nm which already gives a response S = 1 − Ron/Roff to be about 92% at 2.7 mW/cm2.