Noncontact
optical sensing plays an important role in various applications,
for example, motion tracking, pilotless automobile, precision machining,
and laser radars. A device with features of high resolution, fast
response, and safe detection (operation wavelength at infrared (IR))
is highly desired in such applications. Here, a near IR position-sensitive
detector constructed by graphene-Ge Schottky heterojunction has been
demonstrated. The device shows high responsivity (minimum detectable
power of ∼10 nW), excellent spatial resolution (<1 μm),
fast response time (∼μs), and could operate in a wide
spectral range (from visible to ∼1600 nm). Applications of
precise angle (∼5 × 10–6 degree) and
vibration frequency (up to 10 kHz) measurements, as well as the trajectory
tracking of a high-speed infrared target (∼100 km/h), have
been realized based on this device. This work therefore provides a
promising route for a high-performance noncontact IR optical sensing
system.