Probing the Free-Carrier Absorption in Multi-Layer Black Phosphorus

We study the carrier relaxation dynamics in thin black phosphorus (bP) using time-resolved differential transmission measurements. The inter-band and intra-band transitions, relaxation, and carrier recombination lifetimes are revealed by tuning the mid-infrared probe wavelength above and below the bandgap of black phosphorus. When the probe energy exceeds the bandgap, Pauli blocked inter-band transitions are observed. The differential transmission signal changes sign from positive to negative when the probe energy is below the bandgap, due to the absence of inter-band transitions and enhancement in the free-carrier absorption. The minority carrier lifetime and radiative recombination coefficient are estimated to be 1.3 ns and 5.9 × 10⁻¹⁰ cm³/s, respectively. The overall recombination lifetime of bP is limited by radiative recombination for excess carrier densities larger than 5 × 10¹⁹ cm⁻³.