Ultra-high sensitivity photodetector arrays with integrated amplification and passivation nano-layers

Jie Yao; Sean Wang; Jack Zhou; Ken Li; Michael Lange; Weiguo Yang; Patrick Gardner; Leora Peltz; Robert Frampton; Jeffrey H. Hunt; Jill Becker

doi:10.1117/12.808442

6 February 2009 Ultra-high sensitivity photodetector arrays with integrated amplification and passivation nano-layers

Jie Yao, Sean Wang, Jack Zhou, Ken Li, Michael Lange, Weiguo Yang, Patrick Gardner, Leora Peltz, Robert Frampton, Jeffrey H. Hunt, Jill Becker

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7212, Optical Components and Materials VI; 72120Y (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.808442
Event: SPIE OPTO: Integrated Optoelectronic Devices, 2009, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

Miniaturized field-deployable spectrometers used for rapid analysis of chemical and biological substances require high-sensitivity photo detectors. For example, in a Raman spectroscopy system, the receiver must be capable of high-gain, low-noise detection performance due to the intrinsically weak signals produced by the Raman effects of most substances. We are developing a novel, high-gain hetero-junction phototransistor (HPT) detector which employs two nano-structures simultaneously: a 3-30 nm passivation layer that enables micron-sized devices, large-scale integration and low-cost products; and a 50-65 nm amplification layer that offers high sensitivity with 1,000x amplification and zero avalanche access noise. We report preliminary tests on single pixels, validating the design target of >1,000 Ampere/Watt responsivity at the near infrared wavelength of 1550nm, which is 100 times more sensitive than InGaAs avalanche photodiodes, the most sensitive commercially available photo-detector in this wavelength range, under their normal operation conditions. Integrated into a detector array, this technology has application for Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), pollution monitoring, pharmaceutical manufacturing by reaction monitoring, chemical & biological transportation safety, and bio-chemical analysis in planetary exploration.

Citation Download Citation

Jie Yao, Sean Wang, Jack Zhou, Ken Li, Michael Lange, Weiguo Yang, Patrick Gardner, Leora Peltz, Robert Frampton, Jeffrey H. Hunt, and Jill Becker "Ultra-high sensitivity photodetector arrays with integrated amplification and passivation nano-layers", Proc. SPIE 7212, Optical Components and Materials VI, 72120Y (6 February 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.808442

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available