A 2D Optoelectronic Logic Device with Ultralow Supply Voltage

Optoelectronic logic devices (OELDs) provide a cure for many visually impaired individuals. However, traditional OELDs have limitations, such as excessive channel resistance and complex structure, leading to high supply voltage and decreased efficiency of signal transmission. We report ultralow-voltage OELDs by seriating two 2D MoTe₂ transistors with sub-10 nm channel lengths. The short channel length and atomically flat interface result in a low-resistance light-sensing unit that can operate with a low supply voltage and function well in weak-light conditions. The devices achieve an on state without light signal input and an off state with light signal input at an ultralow supply voltage of 50 mV, lower than the retinal bearing voltage of 70 mV. Additionally, MoTe₂'s excellent optoelectronic properties allow the device to perceive light from visible to near-infrared wavelengths with high sensitivity to weak light signals. The specific perception of visible light intensity is 0.03 mW·mm^-2, and the near-infrared light intensity is 0.1 mW mm^-2. The device also has a response time of 8 ms, meeting human needs. Our findings provide a promising solution for developing low-voltage artificial retinas.