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Photodetector performance enhancement using an electron accelerator controlled by light
Itsara Srithanachai1, Farrah Dilla Zainol, Surada Ueamanapong
1Department of Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand. srithanachai@gmail.com
Applied Optics
|August 4, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed a novel photodetector enhancement using an optical accelerator circuit. This method significantly boosts photodetector current and reduces switching time for improved semiconductor device performance.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Semiconductor device physics
- Nanophotonics
Background:
- Photodetectors are crucial optoelectronic devices.
- Enhancing photodetector speed and sensitivity remains a key challenge.
- Existing methods often involve complex fabrication or material limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and investigate a new method for photodetector performance enhancement.
- To leverage optical phenomena for improved charge carrier dynamics.
- To demonstrate significant increases in photodetector current and reduced switching times.
Main Methods:
- Embedding an optical accelerator circuit, specifically a PANDA microring resonator, within the photodetector.
- Utilizing optical tweezers generated by the PANDA ring to trap electrons.
- Employing an electron injection technique for faster carrier transport via optical waveguides.
Main Results:
- Achieved a four-order increase in photodetector light currents.
- Demonstrated a five-order decrease in switching time.
- Validated the proposed method through simulation.
Conclusions:
- The embedded optical accelerator circuit offers a viable pathway for substantial photodetector performance gains.
- The PANDA microring resonator and optical tweezer technique effectively enhance electron transport.
- This approach holds promise for future photodetector designs and broader semiconductor applications.
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