Simulation of resonant cavity enhanced (RCE) photodetectors using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method

The resonant cavity enhanced (RCE) photodetectors is analyzed using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. Unlike the analytical models, FDTD includes all of the essential considerations such as the cavity build-up time, standing wave effect and the refractive index profiles across every layer. The fully numerical implementation allows it to be used as a verification of the analytical models. The simulation is demonstrated in terms of time and space enabling one to visualize how the field inside the cavity builds up. The results are compared with the analytical models to point out the subtle differences and assumptions made in the analytical models.