Next-Generation Organic Photodetectors: Hybrid Architectures and Applications

Abstract

Organic photodetectors (OPDs) have attracted significant attention due to their flexibility, broadband sensitivity, and potential for integration with wearable electronics and 6G communications. Notably, their low-cost fabrication via solution processing further enhances their competitiveness compared to traditional inorganic photodetectors. This work reviews recent progress in OPDs and hybrid architectures including tandem perovskite, 2D perovskite, TMD (transition metal dichalcogenides), quantum-dot, graphene-plasmonic, and black phosphorus heterojunctions. The mechanisms of photon-to-current conversion, interfacial charge transport, and hybrid material integration mechanisms are discussed in detail. Research demonstrates that by tailoring dimensionality, energy alignment, and interfacial chemistry, the long-standing trade-off between speed, noise, and stability can be mitigated. These advances address critical issues such as high dark current, poor stability, and limited reproducibility, thus paving the way for the use of OPDs in healthcare monitoring, environmental sensing, and optical communication. The review highlights both achievements and challenges, emphasizing the need for scalable, defect-free fabrication and environmentally safe materials.