Semiconductor characteristics of tellurium and its implementations

Abstract Tellurium (Te) gained worldwide attention because of its excellent properties, distinctive chained structures, and potential usages. Bulk Te is a p-type elemental helical semiconductor at room temperature and it also having a very limited band gap. Te presents fascinating characteristics such as nonlinear optical response, photoconductivity, good thermoelectric and piezoelectric properties. These charming characteristics induce Te a possible nominee for applications in field-effect transistors, IR acousto-optic deflectors, solar cells, self-developing holographic recording devices, photoconductors, gas sensors, radiative cooling devices, and topological insulators. The developments in these areas are incorporated in great detail. This study opens up the possibility of designing novel devices and considering modern applications of Tellurium.