Numerical analysis of long wavelength infrared HgCdTe photodiodes

We present a detailed investigation of the performance limiting factors of long and very long wavelength infrared (LWIR and VLWIR) p on n Hg_1−xCd_xTe detectors through numerical simulations at 77 K incorporating all considerable generation-recombination (G-R) mechanisms including trap assisted tunneling (TAT), Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH), Auger and radiative processes. The results identify the relative strengths of the dark current generation mechanisms by numerically extracting the contribution of each G-R mechanism to the detector characteristics with various cut-off wavelengths (λ_c) and practically achievable material parameters.The results show that the dominant sensitivity degrading trap level depends on the detector cut-off wavelength being ∼0.7E_g for LWIR HgCdTe sensors (λ_c = ∼10 μm) instead of 0.5E_g which is generally believed to be the most efficient R-G level. TAT related 1/f noise dominates the sensor noise even under small reverse bias voltages at a trap density as low as 1 × 10¹⁴ cm⁻³ for sensors with λ_c > 11 μm. Considering the fact that trap densities below this level are rarely reported for HgCdTe material, exceptionally trap-free material is required to achieve desirable imaging performance with these sensors. Simulation results show that Auger mechanism has twofold effect on the sensitivity of the sensor by increasing the dark current and decreasing the photo current of the detector.     

Enhanced quantum well infrared photodetector focal plane arrays for space applications

A 30 months European Space Agency project started in March 2008, whose overall purpose is to expand and assess the performance of broadband (11–15 μm) quantum detectors for spectro-imaging applications: Dispersive Spectrometers and Fourier Transform Spectrometers. We present here the technical requirements, the development approach chosen as well as preliminary experimental results. Our approach is fully compatible with the final array format (1024 × 256, pitch 50–60 μm). We expect the requested uniformity, operability and SNR levels to be achieved at temperatures close to the goal values. The performance level will be demonstrated on 256 × 256, 50 μm pitch arrays. Also, operability and uniformity issues will be addressed on large mechanical 1024 × 256 hybrid arrays.     

Very long wavelength infrared focal plane arrays with 50% cutoff wavelength based on type-Ⅱ In As/GaSb superlattice

A very long wavelength infrared(VLWIR) focal plane array based on In As/Ga Sb type-Ⅱ super-lattices is demonstrated on a Ga Sb substrate. A hetero-structure photodiode was grown with a 50% cut-off wavelength of 15.2 μm, at 77 K.A 320×256 VLWIR focal plane array with this design was fabricated and characterized. The peak quantum efficiency without an antireflective coating was 25.74% at the reverse bias voltage of-20 mV, yielding a peak specific detectivity of 5.89×1010cm·Hz~(1/2)·W~(-1). The operability and the uniformity of response were 89% and 83.17%. The noise-equivalent temperature difference at 65 K exhibited a minimum at 21.4 mK, corresponding to an average value of 56.3 mK.     

用金属小球进行长波量子阱红外探测器的光耦合

针对实验中9.5μm峰值响应波长的n型长波量子阱红外探测器设计运用二维金属小球(铜)阵列作光耦合结构.金属小球阵列均匀填充在绝缘的胶黏剂中，基于惠更斯原理研究二维金属小球阵列体系的光耦合和光吸收，结果表明对9.5μm响应波长的长波量子阱红外探测器，采用周期为3μm，半径为0.9μm左右的金属小球阵列可以获得最佳的光耦合.优化设计后的量子效率(66%)远高于45°磨角耦合的量子效率(38%)，为实验运用金属小球阵列进行长波量子阱红外探测器的光耦合提供了基本的理论依据和详细的优化设计方案.     

Design of spectral crosstalk suppressing structure in two-color HgCdTe infrared focal plane arrays detector

Spectral crosstalk suppressing design of two-color HgCdTe medium-wave/long-wave (MW/LW) \(\hbox {n}^{+}\) – \(\hbox {p}_{1}\) – \(\hbox {P}_{2}\) – \(\hbox {P}_{3}\) – \(\hbox {N}^{+}\) infrared focal plane arrays (IRFPAs) detector functioning in simultaneous mode is carried out in this study, using Crosslight Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) software. A compositional barrier of \(\hbox {P}_{2}\) -region sandwiched between LW absorption layer of \(\hbox {p}_{1}\) -region and MW absorption layer of \(\hbox {P}_{3}\) -region is designed to suppress spectral crosstalk. MW-to-LW crosstalk can be significantly suppressed to 2.1 % while LW-to-MW crosstalk can be maintained less than 1 % by integrating an optimized compositional barrier.     

Resonant detectors and focal plane arrays for infrared detection

We are developing resonator-QWIPs for narrowband and broadband long wavelength infrared detection. Detector pixels with 25 μm and 30 μm pitches were hybridized to fanout circuits and readout integrated electronics for radiometric measurements. With a low to moderate doping of 0.2–0.5 × 10¹⁸ cm⁻³ and a thin active layer thickness of 0.6–1.3 μm, we achieved a quantum efficiency between 25 and 37% and a conversion efficiency between of 15 and 20%. The temperature at which photocurrent equals dark current is about 65 K under F/2 optics for a cutoff wavelength up to 11 μm. The NEΔT of the FPAs is estimated to be 20 mK at 2 ms integration time and 60 K operating temperature. This good performance confirms the advantages of the resonator-QWIP approach.     

640 × 512 pixel narrow-band, four-band, and broad-band quantum well infrared photodetector focal plane arrays

A 9 μm cutoff 640 × 512 pixel hand-held quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) camera has been demonstrated with excellent imagery. A noise equivalent differential temperature (NEDT) of 10.6 mK is expected at a 65 K operating temperature with f/2 optics at a 300 K background. This focal plane array has shown background limited performance at a 72 K operating temperature with the same optics and background conditions. In this paper, we discuss the development of this very sensitive long-wavelength infrared camera based on a GaAs/AlGaAs QWIP focal plane array and its performance in quantum efficiency, NEDT, uniformity, and operability. In the second section of this paper, we discuss the first demonstration of a monolithic spatially separated four-band 640 × 512 pixel QWIP focal plane array and its performance. The four spectral bands cover 4–5.5, 8.5–10, 10–12, and 13.5–15 μm spectral regions with 640 × 128 pixels in each band. In the last section, we discuss the array performance of a 640 × 512 pixel broad-band (10–16 μm full-width at half-maximum) QWIP focal plane.     

Monolithic integration technique for microlens arrays with infrared focal plane arrays

Based on scalar diffraction theory, 8-phase-level 256×290 element diffractive microlens arrays with lenslet dimension of 50×33 μm² have been fabricated on the back side of PtSi infrared focal plane arrays. The design and fabrication process are discussed. The measurement results indicate that the imaging quality has been greatly improved and the ratio of the signal-to-noise of the infrared focal plane array integration with microlens array is increased by a factor of 2.5.     

Short-wave infrared InGaAs photodetectors and focal plane arrays

In this article, unique spectral features of short-wave infrared band of 1 μm–3 μm, and various applications related to the photodetectors and focal plane arrays in this band, are introduced briefly. In addition, the different material systems for the devices in this band are outlined. Based on the background, the development of lattice-matched and wavelengthextended InGaAs photodetectors and focal plane arrays, including our continuous efforts in this field, are reviewed. These devices are concentrated on the applications in spectral sensing and imaging, exclusive of optical fiber communication.     

Three-color broadband asymmetric quantum well infrared photodetectors in long wavelength infrared range (LWIR)

A theoretical investigation of a GaAs/AlGaAs-material-system-based four quantum well infrared detector structures consisting of ten periods of three asymmetric quantum well units are presented. Each quantum well in the units is sensitive to wavelengths of 8.75, 10, and 11.75 μm, respectively. The effect of the barrier thicknesses on the responsivity spectra is discussed with respect to barrier transmissions under negative and positive bias voltages. Each detector structure shows voltage-tunable broadband and multicolor features in 8–12-μm long wavelength infrared range (LWIR).     

超长波GaAs/AlGaAs量子阱红外探测器光电流谱特性研究

研究了响应波长在15μm附近的超长波GaAs/AlGaAs量子阱红外探测器在不同外加偏压下的光电流谱特性.光电流谱上的两个主要由于阱宽随机涨落而呈现为高斯线形的响应峰被分别指认为量子阱基态E0到第一激发态E1和第三激发态E3的跃迁.跃迁峰随着器件上外加偏压的增大而出现线性红移现象，认为这种变化起源于激发态与基态对量子阱结构中势变化敏感性的不同，采用传输矩阵方法并考虑到电子交互作用修正进行的理论计算在定量上解释了实验结果. 关键词： 量子阱红外探测器 超长波 光电流 传输矩阵     

甚长波量子阱红外探测器光栅耦合的研究

采用平面波展开的散射矩阵方法研究n型甚长波量子阱红外探测器的二维衍射光栅，并同时从实验方面研究了其红外透射光谱.研究表明，n型量子阱器件的光栅耦合是传输场和倏逝场共同作用的结果.对于n型量子阱红外探测器的光栅耦合，光栅周期、光栅深度和占空比三者之间相互影响；要达到好的光学耦合效果，需要根据量子阱器件的峰值探测波长选择合适的光栅参数. 关键词： n型量子阱红外探测器 二维光栅 光耦合     

甚长波量子阱红外探测器的暗电流特性研究

基于载流子在量子结构中的输运理论研究了甚长波量子阱红外探测器(峰值响应波长15μm，量子阱个数大于40)的载流子的输运性质.研究结果表明，在甚长波量子阱红外探测器中，电流密度一般很低，暗电流主要来源于能量高于势垒边的热激发电子.通过薛定谔方程和泊松方程以及电流的连续性方程的自洽求解，发现外加偏压下电子浓度在甚长波器件各量子阱的分布发生较大变化，电场在整个器件结构上呈非均匀分布，靠近发射极层的势垒承担的电压远远高于均匀分布的情形.平带模型假定电压在器件体系上均匀分布，导致小偏压下的理论计算值远远低于实验值. 关键词： 甚长波量子阱红外探测器 量子波输运 暗电流     

Recent infrared detector technologies,applications, trends and development of HgCdTe based cooled infrared focal plane arrays and their characterization

Infrared thermal imaging, using cooled and uncooled detectors, is continuously gaining attention because of its wide military and civilian applications. Futuristic requirements of high temperature operation, multispectral imaging, lower cost, higher resolution (using pixels) etc. are driving continuous developments in the field. Although there are good reviews in the literature by Rogalski [1–4], Martyniuk et al. [5] and Rogalski et al. [6] on various types of infrared detectors and technologies, this paper focuses on some of the important recent trends and diverse applications in this field and discusses some important fundamentals of these detectors.     

可见/近红外超光谱碲镉汞焦平面研究

为了满足可见-近红外波段的高光谱分辨率和高灵敏观测需求, 采用大面阵、低噪声碲镉汞焦平面制备技术和低损伤衬底去除技术, 成功制备了高信噪比大面阵可见/近红外碲镉汞焦平面探测器。无损衬底去除技术采用机械抛光和化学腐蚀相结合的方法, 使焦平面的响应波段拓展至400 nm~2 600 nm。采用信号定量化焦平面测试评价手段对可见/近红外碲镉汞焦平面的性能进行评估, 640×512 25 μm中心距碲镉汞焦平面的波段量子效率可达到88.4%, 信噪比达到287, 有效像元率大于98%, 能够获得清晰的可见和近红外波段图像。     

InAs/GaSb superlattices for advanced infrared focal plane arrays

We report on the development of high performance focal plane arrays for the mid-wavelength infrared spectral range from 3–5 μm (MWIR) on the basis of InAs/GaSb superlattice photodiodes. An investigation on the minority electron diffusion length with a set of six sample ranging from 190 to 1000 superlattice periods confirms that InAs/GaSb superlattice focal plane arrays achieve very high external quantum efficiency. This enabled the fabrication of a range of monospectral MWIR imagers with high spatial and excellent thermal resolution at short integration times. Furthermore, novel dual-color imagers have been developed, which offer advanced functionality due to a simultaneous, pixel-registered detection of two separate spectral channels in the MWIR.     

Trade-offs and difficulties of the vertical photoconductor: a novel device structure suitable for HgCdTe two-dimensional infrared focal plane arrays

Recently Siliquini and Faraone [J.F. Siliquini, L. Faraone, Infrared Phys. Technol. 38 (1997) 205] have proposed vertical photoconductive device (PC) based two-dimensional long wavelength infrared region focal plane arrays (LWIR FPAs). In this note, we examine some trade-offs and difficulties of this proposed structure.     

红外焦平面阵列非线性校正曲线测量方法

针对红外焦平面阵列强度响应的非线性失真现象,本文提出了一种基于单波长激光器测定红外焦平面阵列非线性校正曲线的方法,设计出用于测量的实验装置,并通过实验研究获得了实测的非线性校正曲线。结果表明,该方法规避了红外焦平面阵列光谱响应不均匀性的影响,满足了装置器件在工程技术中通用性和实用性的需要,在简单易行的同时保证了较高的测量精度。     

Simulation and design consideration of photoresponse for HgCdTe infrared photodiodes

We report on 2D numerical simulations of photoresponse characteristic for long-wavelength HgCdTe infrared photodiodes. Effects of thickness of absorption layer on the photoresponse have been investigated. Optimal thickness of absorption layers at different absorption lengths and diffusion lengths are extracted numerically. An empirical formula is proposed to predict reasonable optimal thickness of absorption layer by theoretically analyzing its correlations with absorption lengths and diffusion lengths.     

Optimization for mid-wavelength InSb infrared focal plane arrays under front-side illumination

The quantum efficiency for mid-wavelength InSb infrared focal plane arrays has been numerically studied by two dimensional simulators. Effects of thickness of p-type layer on the quantum efficiency under front-side illumination have been obtained. The calculated results can be used to extract the optimal thickness of the p-type layer for different absorption and diffusion lengths. It is indicated that the optimal thickness of the p-type layer strongly depends on the absorption coefficient and the minority carrier lifetimes. The empirical formulas are also obtained to describe the correlation between the optimal thickness of the p-type layer, and the absorption and diffusion lengths.