Paper
8 September 1995 Optimized multiquantum well infrared detectors
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
Quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) form a new generation of infrared detectors based on carrier confinement in ultrathin semiconductor heterostructures. The artificial energy levels in these wells can be tailored to match any optical transition in the 3 - 20 micrometer photon wavelength range by adjusting the quantum well width and the barrier composition. In this communication, we summarize our present understanding of the physics of QWIP detection: photoexcited carrier emission and capture probability, contact injection, and noise mechanisms. We also present the performances of optimized devices for the infrared Detection in the 3 - 5 micrometer and 8 - 12 micrometer wavelength ranges. We also illustrate the major advantages of this new technology for infrared staring arrays: (1) standard III-V substrates and technology, thermal stability, uniformity, large areas, low development costs, radiation hardness, (2) adjustability from 3 to 20 micrometer, (3) new functions: multispectrality, spectrophotometry, band switching, optical reading.
© (1995) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Philippe Francis Bois, Eric M. Costard, Jean-Yves Duboz, Julien Nagle, Emmanuel Rosencher, and Borge Vinter "Optimized multiquantum well infrared detectors", Proc. SPIE 2552, Infrared Technology XXI, (8 September 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.218275
Lens.org Logo
CITATIONS
Cited by 5 scholarly publications.
Advertisement
Advertisement
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission  Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace
KEYWORDS
Quantum well infrared photodetectors

Sensors

Quantum wells

Gallium arsenide

Absorption

Modulators

Electrons

RELATED CONTENT

QWIPs beyond FPAs: high-speed room-temperature detectors
Proceedings of SPIE (October 10 2001)
Terahertz quantum well photodetectors
Proceedings of SPIE (August 29 2006)
Technology of multiple quantum well infrared detectors
Proceedings of SPIE (August 13 1997)
Multiband infrared detectors based on III-V materials
Proceedings of SPIE (November 04 2004)
Quantum structure far-infrared photodetectors
Proceedings of SPIE (October 30 2001)

Back to Top