Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) is an attractive candidate for long-wave infrared detection but is limited due its low quantum efficiency and its polarization sensitivity. Here we propose a detector with an embedded plasmonic structure surrounding the detector that is protected. Our detector uses an array of pillars surrounded by a plasmonic metal and contacted from the top making one “super pixel”. This structure is within close proximity of the active medium and is protected by the top contact. This configuration also eliminates non-absorbing semiconductor eliminating significant dark current.

Date Published: 3 October 2014
PDF: 6 pages
Proc. SPIE 9220, Infrared Sensors, Devices, and Applications IV, 922005 (3 October 2014); doi: 10.1117/12.2065128

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9220:
Infrared Sensors, Devices, and Applications IV
Paul D. LeVan; Ashok K. Sood; Priyalal Wijewarnasuriya; Arvind I. D'Souza, Editor(s)