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Title: Enhanced infrared detectors using resonant structures combined with thin type-II superlattice absorbers

Abstract

Here we examined the spectral responsivity of a 1.77μm thick type-II superlattice based long-wave infrared detector in combination with metallic nanoantennas. Coupling between the Fabry-Pérot cavity formed by the semiconductor layer and the resonant nanoantennas on its surface enables spectral selectivity, while also increasing peak quantum efficiency to over 50%. Electromagnetic simulations reveal that this high responsivity is a direct result of field-enhancement in the absorber layer, enabling significant absorption in spite of the absorber’s subwavelength thickness. Notably, thinning of the absorbing material could ultimately yield lower photodetector noise through a reduction in dark current while improving photocarrier collection efficiency. The temperature- and incident-angle-independent spectral response observed in these devices allows for operation over a wide range of temperatures and optical systems. This detector paradigm demonstrates potential benefits to device performance with applications throughout the infrared.

Authors:
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
OSTI Identifier:
1338404
Alternate Identifier(s):
OSTI ID: 1364073
Report Number(s):
SAND2016-12919J
Journal ID: ISSN 0003-6951; 650117; TRN: US1701106
Grant/Contract Number:  
AC04-94AL85000; AC04-94AL85000. SAND NO. 2011-XXXXP
Resource Type:
Accepted Manuscript
Journal Name:
Applied Physics Letters
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 109; Journal Issue: 25; Journal ID: ISSN 0003-6951
Publisher:
American Institute of Physics (AIP)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION; Superlattices; Infrared detectors; Dark currents; Absorption coefficient; Electric fields

Citation Formats

Goldflam, Michael D., Kadlec, Emil Andrew, Olson, Ben V., Klem, John F., Hawkins, Samuel D., Parameswaran, S., Coon, Wesley Thomas, Keeler, Gordon Arthur, Fortune, Torben Ray, Tauke-Pedretti, Anna, Wendt, Joel R., Shaner, Eric A., Davids, Paul S., Kim, Jin K., and Peters, David W. Enhanced infrared detectors using resonant structures combined with thin type-II superlattice absorbers. United States: N. p., 2016. Web. doi:10.1063/1.4972844.
Goldflam, Michael D., Kadlec, Emil Andrew, Olson, Ben V., Klem, John F., Hawkins, Samuel D., Parameswaran, S., Coon, Wesley Thomas, Keeler, Gordon Arthur, Fortune, Torben Ray, Tauke-Pedretti, Anna, Wendt, Joel R., Shaner, Eric A., Davids, Paul S., Kim, Jin K., & Peters, David W. Enhanced infrared detectors using resonant structures combined with thin type-II superlattice absorbers. United States. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4972844
Goldflam, Michael D., Kadlec, Emil Andrew, Olson, Ben V., Klem, John F., Hawkins, Samuel D., Parameswaran, S., Coon, Wesley Thomas, Keeler, Gordon Arthur, Fortune, Torben Ray, Tauke-Pedretti, Anna, Wendt, Joel R., Shaner, Eric A., Davids, Paul S., Kim, Jin K., and Peters, David W. Thu . "Enhanced infrared detectors using resonant structures combined with thin type-II superlattice absorbers". United States. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4972844. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1338404.
@article{osti_1338404,
title = {Enhanced infrared detectors using resonant structures combined with thin type-II superlattice absorbers},
author = {Goldflam, Michael D. and Kadlec, Emil Andrew and Olson, Ben V. and Klem, John F. and Hawkins, Samuel D. and Parameswaran, S. and Coon, Wesley Thomas and Keeler, Gordon Arthur and Fortune, Torben Ray and Tauke-Pedretti, Anna and Wendt, Joel R. and Shaner, Eric A. and Davids, Paul S. and Kim, Jin K. and Peters, David W.},
abstractNote = {Here we examined the spectral responsivity of a 1.77μm thick type-II superlattice based long-wave infrared detector in combination with metallic nanoantennas. Coupling between the Fabry-Pérot cavity formed by the semiconductor layer and the resonant nanoantennas on its surface enables spectral selectivity, while also increasing peak quantum efficiency to over 50%. Electromagnetic simulations reveal that this high responsivity is a direct result of field-enhancement in the absorber layer, enabling significant absorption in spite of the absorber’s subwavelength thickness. Notably, thinning of the absorbing material could ultimately yield lower photodetector noise through a reduction in dark current while improving photocarrier collection efficiency. The temperature- and incident-angle-independent spectral response observed in these devices allows for operation over a wide range of temperatures and optical systems. This detector paradigm demonstrates potential benefits to device performance with applications throughout the infrared.},
doi = {10.1063/1.4972844},
journal = {Applied Physics Letters},
number = 25,
volume = 109,
place = {United States},
year = {Thu Dec 22 00:00:00 EST 2016},
month = {Thu Dec 22 00:00:00 EST 2016}
}

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