Electrically Tunable and Linearly Polarized Mid-Infrared Photoluminescence in 2D Tellurium

The integration of electronic and photonic chips hinges on the availability of efficient light sources and modulators that are compatible with on-chip interconnects. Among these, mid-infrared (mid-IR) emitters are especially critical, as they enable low-loss transmission through atmospheric windows and unlock powerful capabilities for molecular fingerprinting and chemical sensing. In this study, we demonstrate that 2D tellurium (Te) nanoflakes can serve as highly efficient, electrically tunable, and linearly polarized mid-IR emitters. Leveraging the narrow direct bandgap (≈0.36 eV) and anisotropic crystal symmetry of Te nanoflakes, we achieve electrically tunable mid-IR photoluminescence (PL) with near-complete PL intensity modulation, a stable emission wavelength (≈3.4 µm), and near-perfect linear polarization. In addition, we demonstrate a dual-gate device that allows independent control of the electrostatic doping and vertical electric field, and further theoretical analysis reveals that the electrical tunability of the PL intensity originates primarily from the gate-controlled carrier density. Building on this robust control, we demonstrate high-speed electro-optical switches and programmable logic gates for on-chip encryption, underscoring the excellent compatibility of Te with advanced optoelectronic circuits. Collectively, these advances establish Te as a cornerstone material for hybrid electronic-photonic systems, directly addressing the urgent demand for mid-IR components in next-generation optical interconnects.