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Waveguide-integrated telecom-wavelength photodiode in deposited silicon
Kyle Preston1, Yoon Ho Daniel Lee, Mian Zhang
1School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA. kjp32@cornell.edu
Optics Letters
|January 7, 2011
Summary
We developed silicon photodiodes for 1550 nm wavelength with gigahertz response times. These devices utilize natural defects in polycrystalline silicon for subband absorption, enabling dual filter and detector functionality in microring resonators.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photonics
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Silicon photonics is crucial for high-speed optical communication.
- Existing silicon photodetectors often struggle with efficiency and speed at telecommunication wavelengths.
- Polycrystalline silicon offers a potentially cost-effective alternative for integrated photonic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate efficient photodiodes in deposited polycrystalline silicon at 1550 nm.
- To investigate the role of material defects in subband absorption for photodetector operation.
- To explore the integration of photodiodes with microring resonators for multifunctional photonic circuits.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of photodiodes using deposited polycrystalline silicon.
- Characterization of photodiode performance, including responsivity, dark current, and time response.
- Analysis of subband absorption mechanisms mediated by material defects.
- Integration of photodiodes within microring resonator structures.
Main Results:
- Achieved 0.15 A/W responsivity and 40 nA dark current at 1550 nm.
- Demonstrated gigahertz time response, indicating high-speed operation.
- Observed moderate absorption (6 dB/cm) due to naturally present defects.
- Showcased a microring resonator functioning as both a demultiplexing filter and a photodetector.
Conclusions:
- Deposited polycrystalline silicon is a viable material for high-performance 1550 nm photodiodes.
- Material defects play a key role in enabling subband absorption and photodetection.
- Integrated microring resonator devices offer multifunctional capabilities for nanophotonic interconnects.
