Optical tuning of the terahertz response of black phosphorus quantum dots: effects of weak carrier confinement

In contrast to few-layer black phosphorus (BP) with a relatively larger area, BP quantum dots (BP-QDs) are expected to have distinctive electromagnetic response and carrier behaviors, especially in low-frequency range such as in the THz regime. Herein, we experimentally investigate the THz properties of BP-QDs as well as the optical control of these properties. It is demonstrated that the effects of weak carrier confinement, which is associated with diffusive restoring current in each BP-QD, contribute significantly to the effective THz conductivity of BP-QDs. Instead, spectral features of discretely spaced energy levels as shown for many kinds of semiconductor QDs in UV-visible range are not observed in the THz regime. This indicates an insignificant contribution of strong quantum confinement here. Based on the modified Drude–Smith formula, we show that the optical excitation/pump of a CW laser can induce photogenerated carriers and enhance the effects of weak carrier confinement in BP-QDs. Thus, a nonlinear enhancement of THz absorption can be observed by increasing the power of the excitation laser. These results not only deepen our understanding of the fundamental physics of BP nanomaterials but also provide an alternative approach to realize active control of BP-based THz devices.