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Published on: March 22, 2019
Status of Extended Threshold Wavelength Split-Off Band IR Detectors and Quantum Material-Based Extension for
A G Unil Perera1, Yanfeng Lao1,2, Tara Jabegu1
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
This study explores enhancing infrared detectors using novel quantum materials to extend photoresponsivity beyond the energy band gap. The research discusses van der Waals quantum materials for room-temperature operation, aiming for improved IR sensor performance.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Physics
Background:
- Split-off band infrared detectors traditionally have photoresponsivity limited by their energy band gap.
- Existing AlGaAs/GaAs-based devices face challenges with operating temperatures.
- Extending photoresponsivity and achieving room-temperature operation are key goals for infrared sensor development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report potential performance improvements in split-off band infrared detectors.
- To investigate the use of novel quantum materials for enhanced infrared detection.
- To explore strategies for developing room-temperature operating infrared photodetectors.
Main Methods:
- Development of split-off band infrared detectors utilizing heterostructures.
- Design modification to extend photoresponsivity beyond the energy band gap.
- Discussion of van der Waals quantum materials (vdW-QM) for infrared sensors, including fabrication and theoretical modeling.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a phenomenon extending the threshold wavelength beyond the standard limit (λt = 1.24/Δ).
- Observed that dark current remains governed by the original energy gap despite extended photoresponsivity.
- Identified vdW-QM as a promising avenue for overcoming temperature challenges in IR sensors.
Conclusions:
- Novel quantum materials offer a pathway to enhance split-off band infrared detector performance.
- Extending photoresponsivity beyond the band gap is achievable with specific design modifications.
- Further research into vdW-QM is crucial for developing practical, room-temperature atmospheric window infrared photodetectors.
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