 Graphene, when combined with silicon, forms a shot key junction that extends the operating window of graphene slash silicon hybrid devices into the near infrared and IR. Additionally, the use of van der Waals hetero structures allows for improved charge separation and transportation, resulting in enhanced photo detection capabilities. The latest advances in graphene silicon junction-based devices, their photo detection effectiveness, and potential applications in optical synaptic systems, optical spectrometers, plasmonic devices, optical waveguides, and ultra-fast photo detectors are discussed. Finally, limitations of existing optoelectronic devices are summarized, as well as possible solutions provided by this new device and its application in future devices. This article was authored by Muhammad Amir Iqbal, Nadia Anwar, Maria Malik, and others.