Parallel optical interconnection for high-speed data links
Author(s):
Barry F. Levine;
James D. Wynn;
Daryoosh Vakhshoori;
K. Monteleone
Show Abstract
We have fabricated and measured detailed bit error rate experiments on a 12 channel parallel optical interconnect transmitter operating at 1 Gb/s per channel, using InGaAsP/InP (lambda) equalsQ 1.3 micrometers lasers. The lasers are highly uniform, the channel crosstalk is less than 1 dB, and the mode selective losses are low (< 1 dB). This transmitter has been demonstrated in an architecture which would allow the transmission of 120 channels of 100 Mb/s uncompressed video signals. We have also demonstrated a novel high speed high quantum efficiency CMOS compatible Si MSM detector which would be ideal for monolithically integrated receiver arrays.
Optical, electronic, magnetic, and superconducting properties of quasiperiodic quantum dot arrays synthesized by a novel electrochemical technique
Author(s):
Supriyo Bandyopadhyay;
A. E. Miller;
Meera Chandrasekhar
Show Abstract
Conventional nanosynthesis involves film growth followed by direct-write nanolithography. The last step has two major shortcomings in that (a) it causes material damage to the nanostructures and (b) it is always serial in nature whereby each wafer has to be patterned one at a time. The latter makes it impractical for large-scale commercial applications. To overcome these drawbacks, we have developed a novel and `gentle' electrochemical process for fabricating quantum dot arrays that allows parallel processing of millions of wafers. It causes minimal damage, is much cheaper than conventional nanolithography, and yet has the spatial resolution (approximately 1 nm) of state-of-the-art techniques. Semiconductor quantum dot arrays produced by this process show strong signatures of quantum confinement in their photoluminescence spectra. Superconducting quantum dots show a significant transition- temperature shift arising from an interplay of superconductivity with quantum confinement, while ferromagnetic quantum dots give rise to a novel giant magnetoresistance effect caused by remote spin-dependent scattering of electrons. These structures have also been characterized by a variety of analytical techniques--all of which attest to their high quality.
Monolithic integration of 1.3-um InGaAs photodetectors and high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) electronic circuits on GaAs
Author(s):
Thomas Fink;
Volker Hurm;
Brian Raynor;
Klaus Koehler;
Willy Benz;
M. Ludwig
Show Abstract
For the first time, monolithic optoelectronic receivers for a wavelength of 1.3 micrometers have been fabricated successfully on GaAs substrates using InGaAs metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodiodes and AlGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs). Using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), the photodetector layers were grown on top of a double (delta) -doped AlGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs HEMT structure which allows the fabrication of enhancement and depletion field effect transistors. The photoabsorbing InGaAs layer was grown at 500 degree(s)C. To fabricate the optoelectronic receivers, first, an etch process using a combination of non-selective wet etching and selective reactive ion etching was applied to produce mesas for the photoconductors and to uncover the HEMT structure in all other areas. For the electronic circuits, our well-established HEMT process for 0.3-micrometers transistor gates was used which includes electron-beam lithography for gate definition and optical lithography for NiCr thin films resistors, capacitors, and inductors. The interdigitated MSM photodiode fingers were also fabricated using electron-beam lithography. For interconnecting the electronic circuits and the photodetectors, air bridges were employed. The entire process was performed on 2-inch wafers with more than 90% yield of functional receivers. The finished receiver--basically an MSM photodetector linked to a transimpedance amplifier--is operational at an incident wavelength of 1.3 micrometers at data rates up to 1.2 Gbit/s. The sensitivity of the detectors is 0.16 A/W at a 10 V bias.
E-beam-pumped semiconductor lasers
Author(s):
Robert R. Rice;
James F. Shanley;
Neil F. Ruggieri
Show Abstract
The collapse of the Soviet Union opened many areas of laser technology to the West. E-beam- pumped semiconductor lasers (EBSL) were pursued for 25 years in several Soviet Institutes. Thin single crystal screens of II-VI alloys (ZnxCd1-xSe, CdSxSe1-x) were incorporated in laser CRTs to produce scanned visible laser beams at average powers greater than 10 W. Resolutions of 2500 lines were demonstrated. MDA-W is conducting a program for ARPA/ESTO to assess EBSL technology for high brightness, high resolution RGB laser projection application. Transfer of II-VI crystal growth and screen processing technology is underway, and initial results will be reported. Various techniques (cathodoluminescence, one- and two-photon laser pumping, etc.) have been used to assess material quality and screen processing damage. High voltage (75 kV) video electronics were procured in the U.S. to operate test EBSL tubes. Laser performance was documented as a function of screen temperature, beam voltage and current. The beam divergence, spectrum, efficiency and other characteristics of the laser output are being measured. An evaluation of the effect of laser operating conditions upon the degradation rate is being carried out by a design-of-experiments method. An initial assessment of the projected image quality will be performed.
High-power flared semiconductor laser amplifiers
Author(s):
Mario Dagenais;
Si Hyung Cho;
Ping-Hui S. Yeh;
Stephen H. Fox;
R. Prakasam;
Peter J.S. Heim;
Scott A. Merritt;
C.-C. Lu;
Vijayanand Vusirikala;
Badri Prasad Gopalan;
Suryaprasad Kareenahalli;
Colin E. C. Wood
Show Abstract
A normal incidence tapered laser amplifier is shown to produce more than 4.5 W optical power at 810 nm in a diffraction-limited beam. A new angled-facet tapered laser amplifier has demonstrated as much as 5 W optical power in a diffraction-limited beam at 810 nm with only a few mWs of coupled input power. Angled-facet laser amplifiers exhibit near-ideal Gaussian beam characteristics. More than 1.9 W CW is obtained in a 970 nm angled-facet tapered laser amplifier. A near-ideal beam quality factor M2 is obtained.
Dynamics of ridge-guide strained-layer multiple quantum well 1.3- and 1.55-um semiconductor lasers
Author(s):
Gary A. Evans;
Jay B. Kirk;
Jieh-Ping Sih;
T. S. Chou;
Jerome K. Butler;
Richard K. DeFreez;
A. R. Mantie;
K. Ouyang;
A. D. Ceruzzi
Show Abstract
In this paper we report the observation of spikes in the intensity power spectra of strained- layer multiple quantum well lasers emitting at wavelengths of 1.3 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers . The spacing between the spikes on fiber-pigtailed lasers was equal to the mode spacing of the fiber resonator (Delta) (nu) fiber equals c/(2 NgL) where c is the speed of light, Ng is the group index, and L is the length of the fiber.
AlGaInP/GaInP visible laser diodes with extremely high characteristic temperature To
Author(s):
Alexander A. Chelny;
Vladimir Alekseevic Gorbylev;
Alexander Aluev;
Petr Georgievich Eliseev;
Vadim Pavlovich Konyaev;
Michail Viktorovic Zverkov;
Victor Ivanovich Krichevsky;
Alexander Yakovlevic Polyakov
Show Abstract
Visible laser diodes (LD), based on AlGaInP/GaInP/GaAs material system, are of great interest, because of large scale application in the information reading and aiming. Heterostructures for such a type of LD were grown successfully by MOCVD. As mentioned by most authors the main problem, which has place during the growth technology developments, is low value of temperature threshold coefficient T0. This problem is due to low conductive band discontinuity and p-doping efficiency. Holes concentration in p- cladding layer determine T0 coefficient significantly, preventing leakage currents from active layer. Further it has been found, that hydrogen can passivate zinc atoms, incorporated into AlGaInP quaternary alloys. Comparing with AlGaAs/GaAs material system several new parameters should be controlled during AlGaInP layers growth: extent of ordering and growth rate. So, new degrees of freedom appears during growth and significantly affect growing results, epilayer parameters and, consequently, quality of manufactured laser diodes. This work is directed to show, how such growth parameters like: growth rate, growth temperature, and DMZn gas phase concentration; determine heterostructure quality.
Femtosecond dynamics studies of coherent phonon generation
Author(s):
Mildred S. Dresselhaus;
H. J. Zeiger;
J. Vidal;
T. K. Cheng;
Erich P. Ippen;
George Dresselhaus
Show Abstract
Recent femtosecond time-resolved pump-probe experiments have detected large amplitude oscillations due to coherent phonon generation in the reflection (R) from various materials). These oscillations show only vibrational modes with A1 symmetry, even though other Raman-active modes of comparable Raman cross section exist. Experimental results showing the properties of this phenomena and a model that explains many of the experimental phenomena are presented.
Characterization of semiconductor device structures using contactless electromodulation
Author(s):
Fred H. Pollak;
Wojciech Krystek;
M. Leibovitch;
S. Moneger;
Hao Qiang;
Dong Yan
Show Abstract
This paper reviews some recent developments in the use of the contactless, and hence nondestructive, electromodulation methods of photoreflectance and contactless electroreflectance for the room temperature characterization and qualification of semiconductor device structures. These include heterojunction bipolar transistors, pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistors, depletion and enhancement mode transistors, quantum well lasers, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, multiple quantum well infrared detectors and solar cells.
Spin tracing: a tool of interface characterization in structures with semimagnetic semiconductors
Author(s):
Jan A. Gaj;
P. Kossacki;
Nguyen The Khoi;
J. Cibert;
W. Grieshaber;
Y. Merle d'Aubigne;
Greg Karczewski;
J. Kossut;
T. Wojtowicz
Show Abstract
The principle of spin tracing is based on the exchange interaction between charge carriers and magnetic ions, which is known to produce giant magneto optical effects in Semimagnetic- or Diluted Magnetic Semiconductors. The idea of spin tracing is exploited in the Zeeman method of interface characterization to study spatial distribution of magnetic ions interacting with a carrier (exciton) confined in quantum structures made of ternary CdMnTe compounds. In this paper we give a concise description of the spin tracing method followed by a review of available experimental data related to the influence of interfaces on the Zeeman effect in structures with barriers containing magnetic ions. A critical review of strong and weak points of the method is given accompanied by a discussion of its practical applicability. Special attention is paid to studies of annealing processes of low dimensional structures using the Zeeman method. We analyze the results obtained so far on quantum wells and superlattices and discuss perspectives of further studies.
Optical characterization and dimension determination of polyaniline films
Author(s):
Dang Mo;
Yongyao Lin;
Hui Z. Wang;
Zhaoxian Yu
Show Abstract
Ellipsometric spectra of insulating and conducting polyaniline films have been measured in the wave-length range of 300 nm - 800 nm. The dielectric function and the refractive index of various polyaniline films have been determined. Two absorption bands of the insulating polyaniline correspond to the interband transition and the exciton transition. More band structures in the spectrum of conducting polyaniline have been discussed and identified to the polaron transitions. The values of refractive index are between 1.31 and 1.64 for the insulating films, and between 1.37 and 1.57 for the high-conducting films. The nonlinear optical coefficient has been determined by the time-resolved absorption saturation measurement and the Z-scan measurement. The value of third order nonlinear susceptibility up to 3 X 10-10 esu at 630 nm has been obtained. The dimensionality and the dimension crossover of these low-dimensional solids have also been studied.
Use of scanning probe microscopies to study transport in semiconductor heterostructures
Author(s):
Venkatesh Narayanamurti
Show Abstract
The use of scanning probe microscopies--such as Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Ballistic Electron Emission Microscopy (BEEM) to study carrier transport through semiconductor heterostructures--is reviewed. The ability of BEEM to probe buried structures below the surface can be exploited to study heterostructure band-offsets and resonant tunneling through quantum structures. It will be shown that BEEM can serve as a powerful probe of the spectroscopy of such structures. The implications of such studies for research on quantum dots and the characterization of new optoelectronic materials will be discussed.
Calculation of third-order optical susceptibilities due to excitonic nonlinearities in rectangular GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well wires with finite Al-graded band offsets included
Author(s):
Frank L. Madarasz;
Frank Szmulowicz;
Frank Kenneth Hopkins
Show Abstract
Exciton and biexciton binding energies, and wave functions are calculated with a three parameter variational model in an effective mass approximation for a rectangular GaAs quantum well wire surrounded by an AlGaAs cladding. Moreover, the Al interdiffusion into the wire and the finite band offsets between the wire and the cladding have been included. The Coulomb interaction terms are treated exactly in their full 3D form throughout the calculation, especially in the case of the biexciton, a more physically realistic procedure then used in previous calculations which employed an effective 1D potential. Our treatment is unique in the use of a 2D Fourier expansion in the Coulomb potential terms. For the range of dimensions studied, the inclusion of the Al interdiffusion had a pronounced affect on the binding energies when compared to those obtained from the infinite barrier model. Using the results of the exciton and biexciton calculation, we calculate the third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility as a function of pump-probe frequencies in a small range about the exciton absorption resonance. We have found, depending upon wire dimensions and the amount of pump detuning, values of the susceptibilities to be on the order of 10-1 esu and a large off-resonance optical gain due to biexciton formation.
Modulated photoellipsometry measurements of GaAs internal field
Author(s):
Regis Vanderhaghen;
S. Cueille;
Bernard Drevillon;
Razvigor Ossikovski
Show Abstract
A new optical instrument allowing photoellipsometric measurements is presented. Photoellipsometry (PE) is a modulation spectroscopy technique which uses ellipsometry in presence of a chopped external light excitation. PE measurements are obtained using a double modulation system, combining spectroscopic phase-modulated ellipsometry (SPME) with a laser pump beam. The experimental system described here takes advantage of the high frequency polarization of SPME (approximately equals 50 kHz). As a consequence the frequency of the pump beam can be varied up to 5 kHz. The field-induced changes in the real and imaginary parts of the bulk dielectric function can be directly measured and analyzed in terms of the pump beam power or the probe beam photon energy. Demonstration of this method is made with measurements, recorded in the band-gap E0 region (approximately equals 1.4 eV), on n-type GaAs sample. In particular, Franz-Keldish oscillations are observed with a very good sensitivity. More generally, PE measurements are compared with a theoretical model. From this preliminary study, it can be concluded that PE appears as a promising technique for semiconductor characterization.
Photoreflectance spectroscopy of metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD)-grown GaAs and GaAs/GaAlAs structures
Author(s):
Jan Misiewicz;
Krzysztof Jezierski;
P. Sitarck;
P. Markiewicz;
Ryszard Korbutowicz;
Marek Panek;
Beata Sciana;
Marek J. Tlaczala
Show Abstract
Experimental set-up has been established by using high resolution monochromator as well as He-Ne and Ar multiline lasers. Epitaxial, undoped and doped (Si and Zn) GaAs and GaAlAs layers as well as heterostructures of GaAs/GaAlAs have been grown in atmospheric pressure vertical MOCVD system. Room temperature photoreflectance (PR) have been applied to characterize layers, heterostructures as well as the multiple quantum wells. The surface and interface related PR have been studied by means of Kramers-Kronig analysis. Decomposition of PR spectrum into the spectra connected with surface region and with the interface has been proposed. Modulus of the complex photoreflectance gives us the critical point energy, whereas the phase of this function can be used for a carrier concentration topography.
Electroluminescence of confined carriers in type II broken-gap p-GaInAsSb/p-InAs single heterojunction
Author(s):
Maya P. Mikhailova;
Georgy G. Zegrya;
Konstantin D. Moiseev;
Ivan N. Timchenko;
Igor A. Andreev;
Yury P. Yakovlev
Show Abstract
First observation of electroluminescence in type II broken-gap p-GaInAsSb/p-InAs single heterojunctions is reported. Intensive spontaneous emission was obtained under applied bias at T equals 77 - 300 K. Two narrow `resonant' emission bands were observed in the spectral range 3 - 5 micrometers at T equals 77 K with full width at half maximum about 1 - 2 kT. It was established that effect of unusual electroluminescence in isotype type II broken-gap p-p- heterostructure due to indirect (tunnel) radiative recombination of spatial separated 2D- electrons and holes localized in deep adjacent quantum wells at different sides of the interface. Novel tuneable mid-infrared light sources are proposed.
Technology for infrared sensors produced in low volume
Author(s):
Raymond S. Balcerak
Show Abstract
Infrared sensors are generally considered a specialized product for military applications. With the reduction in the projected volume to be procured by the military, industry is actively pursuing new applications of IR sensors in security, surveillance, medical, and process control systems. With this expansion of the potential application base, rapid response to customer requirements and further cost reductions are essential to respond to the future marketplace. Initiatives to develop new detector and JR sensor technologies must maintain this new market perspective. This paper reviews market potential and describes technology initiatives necessary to produce a wide variety of JR sensors in low volume and at affordable cost. The initiatives address all aspects of the JR sensor module production, including the detector, packaging, cryogenics, and electronics. Since the sensor design is an integral part of the overall electro-optical system design, software tools linking sensor specifications to system requirements are also essential to the production of affordable sensors in small quantities. Utilization of this integrated sensor/system design trade space early in the design process provides the capability to make cost/performance tradeoffs that are useful in guiding the selection of detector configuration, packaging, and electronics. Integration of these design activities with factory process capabilities provides the potential for rapid production of new sensor designs at an affordable cost, even in low volume.
Improved performance of IR photodetectors with 3D gap engineering
Author(s):
Jozef Piotrowski;
Manijeh Razeghi
Show Abstract
The ultimate signal-to-noise performance of the semiconductor photodetector is limited by the statistical fluctuations of the thermal generation and recombination rates in photodetector material. Cooling is an effective but impractical way of suppression of the thermal processes. The performance of uncooled detectors can be improved by minimizing the thermal generation and recombination rates and reducing the actual volume of photodetector. This can be realized in 3D heterostructure devices. In these devices, the incident radiation is absorbed in small regions of narrow gap semiconductor, buried in wide gap volume and supplied with wide gap electric contacts and radiation concentrators. The practical near room-temperature 1 - 12 micrometers IR heterostructure photodetectors are reported. The devices are based on variable gap Hg1-xCdxTe. The 3D heterostructures have been obtained by Isothermal Vapor Growth Epitaxy in a reusable growth system which enables in situ doping during growth with foreign impurities. Ion milling was extensively used in preparation of the devices. Monolithic optical immersion has been applied for further improvement of performance. The 3D heterostructure devices exhibit performance exceeding that of conventional photodetectors.
Ultraviolet detectors for astrophysics: present and future
Author(s):
Melville P. Ulmer;
Manijeh Razeghi;
Erwan Bigan
Show Abstract
Astronomical instruments for the study of UV astronomy have been developed for NASA missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope. The systems that are `blind to the visible' (`solar-blind') yet sensitive to the UV that have been flown in satellites have detective efficiencies of about 10 to 20%, although typically electron bombardment charge coupled devices are higher at 30 - 40% and ordinary CCDs achieve 1 - 5%. Therefore, there is a large payoff still to be gained by further improvements in the performance of solar blind UV detectors. We provide a brief review of some aspects of UV astronomy, UV detector development, and possible technologies for the future. We suggest that a particularly promising future technology is one based on the ability of investigators to produce high quality films made of wide bandgap III-V semiconductors.
Optical effect in small geometry devices
Author(s):
B. B. Pal;
R. K. Sahoo
Show Abstract
With the advancement of high bit rate optical communication system, there is a need for a high speed photo detector. Results have been presented for a n+-n-- n+ small geometry GaAs diode under optical illumination. The potential at the n+-nl-interface is found to be more negative due to the photovoltaic effect. The current increases with the increase in absorption coefficient and radiation flux density. The quantum efficiency is over 70% in the wavelength spectrum 0.6 - 0.8 um being more than 80% at 0.76 um. The device can be used in GaAs material for 1.55 um system.
High-brightness laser diode arrays
Author(s):
Charlie Ward Trussell;
Vernon King;
Leslie R. Condiff
Show Abstract
There are many applications where incoherent laser diode arrays are useful if high brightness can be maintained. The light emitted from the facet in high power individual devices is approximately 5 MW/cm2/steradian, but methods are needed to maintain this brightness when a number of devices are combined. The typical output is asymmetric in beam divergence and in source size. Several approaches are being evaluated at NVESD to combine linear and 2D arrays and produce a beam divergence of a few milliradians with a nearly symmetrical output. The approaches being explored include turning mirrors, combinations of refractive and diffractive optics, and novel heat sink packages. In preliminary experiments, micro-optics and diffractive optical elements have been used to colliminate the output from a 20 watt CW linear array and produce a 4 X 6 milliradian beam. Brightnesses of more than 1 MW/cm2/steradian are projected with improved components.
Fabrication of dense optoelectronic device arrays
Author(s):
Mark B. Spitzer;
Shambhu K. Shastry;
Robert W. McClelland
Show Abstract
The development of complex optoelectronic devices and circuitry, including optoelectronic integrated circuits, vertical cavity surface emitting laser arrays, and light emitting diode (LED) arrays, may be simplified by the separation of the circuitry and epitaxial layers from the substrate. This separation permits access to the back side of the epitaxial film, allowing back side metallization for interconnects and mirrors, as well as improved heat sink attachment. We describe the results of the successful fabrication of 2D arrays comprising 32,768 monolithic LEDs. The individual LEDs are addressed through a multiplexing circuit in which row addressing is provided on the front side of the epitaxy, and column addressing is provided on the back side. The monolithic LED array is dense, consisting of center to center device spacing of 50 micrometers . The epitaxial films were formed by conventional metal organic chemical vapor deposition, with AlGaAs active layers emitting at 650 nm. A separation layer of AlAs is used to facilitate substrate removal. The fabrication process and results will be described.
Damage-free indium-tin-oxide contacts to indium-phosphide-based devices
Author(s):
Alain Azema;
Corinne Coutal;
Jean-Claude Roustan;
Stephen Taylor;
Andre Leycuras
Show Abstract
Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films would be highly useful as ohmic contacts for a wide range of optoelectronic applications because they provide low resistance and are optically transparent. We have investigated in particular the ITO/InP system for application to homoepitaxial InP solar cell. We have deposited ITO by excimer laser ablation in low temperature (250 degree(s)C) without any additional processing. Results have been highly encouraging: transmission properties are comparable to those obtained with other technics and measurements on solar cells indicate that the electrical properties are also satisfactory, a conversion efficiency of > 13% have been obtained with unoptimized contacts and no antireflection coating. Hall measurements have given carriers concentration and mobility, and Auger profilometry has revealed an abrupt interface, negligible interdiffusion of P and O, opening the way to excellent ITO contacts to epitaxial devices made from InP and possibly other materials.
Semiconductors of the future, and the future is now!
Author(s):
Max N. Yoder
Show Abstract
The refractory or wide bandgap semiconductors are replacing gallium arsenide (GaAs) as the semiconductor of the future and they are doing it now. These semiconductors exhibit many unusual properties that are just now being exploited. Their exploitation is expected to engender many new device and electromagnetic systems concepts. Already transistors of these materials have exhibited the highest power densities of any RF transistor, transistor operation to 80 GHz, the first and the most efficient blue light emitting diodes, and negative electron affinity properties rendering them with ideal properties as cold cathodes. Among the most recently discovered of these properties is that of electron transport at energy levels (velocities) orders of magnitude greater than their bandgaps and--unlike conventional semiconductors--are seemingly not heavily scattered by optical phonons. This property is expected to lead not only to much higher frequency devices but to a new class of optical emitters as well.
Optoelectronic devices based on GaN, AlGaN, InGaN homo-heterojunctions and superlattices
Author(s):
Mohamed Asif Khan;
Q. Chen;
C. J. Sun;
Michael S. Shur;
M. F. MacMillan;
Robert P. Devaty;
W. J. Choyke
Show Abstract
We describe the deposition and characterization of single layers, homo-heterojunctions and superlattices of the AlxGa1-xN and InxGa1-xN material systems. Measurements are discussed indicating of 2D electron gas at heterojunction interfaces. Several photonic devices such as UV detectors, quarter wave reflector stacks, light emitting diodes and optically pumped lasing cavities are also described.
Optoelectronic GaN-based field effect transistors
Author(s):
Michael S. Shur;
Mohamed Asif Khan
Show Abstract
We describe optoelectronic effects in GaN/AlGaN Heterostructure Field Effect Transistors (HFETs) and Heterostructure Insulated Gate Field Effect Transistors (HIGFETs). GaN/AlGaN HFETs operate as visible blind photodetectors with responsivities as high as several thousand A/W for wavelengths from 200 to 365 nanometers. GaN/AlGaN HIGFETs exhibit light- sensitive long term current-voltage characteristic collapse after an application of a high drain- to-source bias. This collapse is removed by illumination with light with certain wavelengths. We suggest that this collapse is a consequence of hot electron trapping in the AlN barrier layer near the drain edge of the gate.
Nonlinear optical properties of metal-nitride thin films
Author(s):
Paul M. Lundquist;
Weiping Lin;
John B. Ketterson;
George K. Wong;
Long D. Zhu;
Peter E. Norris
Show Abstract
Robust second-order optical nonlinearities comparable to those in common nonlinear optical materials have been reported in metal nitrides. In this paper we present experimental studies of gallium nitride and aluminum nitride thin films, including fabrication and optical characterization. The ease of thin film deposition techniques employed for these materials indicate that they may have potential for cost effective development of nonlinear optical waveguide devices.
Low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of high-quality AlN and GaN thin films on sapphire and silicon substrates
Author(s):
Patrick Kung;
Xiaolong Zhang;
Erwan Bigan;
Manijeh Razeghi;
Adam W. Saxler
Show Abstract
High quality AlN and GaN epilayers have been grown on basal plane sapphire by low pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The X-ray rocking curve linewidth of the AlN and GaN films were about 100 and 30 arcsecs respectively. Sharp absorption edges were determined at 6.1 and 3.4 eV respectively. Successful donor-bound excitonic luminescence emissions were detected for GaN films grown on sapphire and silicon. Two additional lines at 3.37 and 3.31 eV were observed on GaN on sapphire and assumed to be impurity-related. Doping of GaN layers was achieved with magnesium. Mg-related photoluminescence emissions were successfully detected on as-grown samples, without any post-growth treatment.
III-V semiconductors for midinfrared lasers: progress and future trends
Author(s):
Michael W. Prairie
Show Abstract
Emerging technologies such as spectroscopic gas sensing can benefit greatly by the development of robust, high-power semiconductor lasers emitting in the mid-infrared spectrum. Great progress has been made with these lasers, especially at wavelengths shorter than about 3 micrometers . Lasers with wavelengths longer than about 3 micrometers , however, suffer from nonradiative recombination mechanisms. As such, they continue to operate with modest power levels at temperatures below 150 K. Practical systems, however, demand higher- temperature operation, preferably above 250 K. The challenge, then, is to suppress the nonradiative recombination mechanisms while enhancing light emission of these narrow- bandgap materials. This paper outlines the progress made to date, including material-growth advances and device-structure designs which have enabled significant advances in the technology. The obstacles to higher-temperature operation, such as Auger recombination, will be identified. The tools being used to overcome these obstacles will also be discussed, including band-structure engineering. Finally, future research in this fertile area will be suggested which could augment current efforts.
Overview of OMVPE optoelectronic material growth at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Author(s):
James Singletery Jr.
Show Abstract
Recent advances in the development of high purity starting materials and OMVPE reactor design are quickly making OMVPE technology the technique of choice for the manufacturing of epitaxial material needed for optoelectronic devices. Within the past year, at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory we have used a single state-of-the-art AIXTRON 200/4 OMVPE reactor to produce high quality optoelectronic devices from three different material systems; InGaAsP/InP, AlInAs/InAs and AlGaAs/GaAs. Within the InGaAsP/InP family of materials we have been able to develop a regrowth protocol to preserve first order DFB gratings, with a grating depth of 400 degree(s)a. In addition, we have been able to fabricate InGaAs(P)/InP heterostructures with near monolayer abruptness. However, most important, we have been able to develop a dual flow adjustment scheme that results in lattice matched and wavelength matched InGaAsP layers within six to seven iterations of the growth parameters.
Bulk poling of lithium niobate for frequency conversion applications
Author(s):
William K. Bischel;
Simon J. Field;
Douglas J. Bamford;
Mark J. Dyer;
David A. Deacon
Show Abstract
Recent progress at Deacon Research in fabricating periodic domain structures in bulk lithium niobate using E-field poling will be presented. Periodic structures have been fabricated for converting the frequency ofnear infrared diode lasers to the visible and mid-JR regions ofthe spectrum using quasi-phase matching. The prospects for fabricating commercially viable integrated optical devices will be discussed.
Keywords: quasi-phase matching, frequency doubling, frequency mixing, optical parametric oscillation
Ultrafast hole tunneling in asymmetric double quantum wells
Author(s):
Mark F. Krol;
Sergey Yu. Ten;
Brian P. McGinnis;
Michael J. Hayduk;
Galina Khitrova;
Nasser Peyghambarian
Show Abstract
We present the results of an experimental study of tunneling in Asymmetric Double Quantum Well (ADQW) structures for which holes were found to tunnel from the narrow well to the wide well on sub-picosecond time-scales. These times are as fast, or faster than electron tunneling times despite the absence of resonances between hole states. Valence band structure calculations for our ADQW structures indicate that ultrafast hole tunneling can be attributed spin-dependent delocalization of the hole wavefunctions with a concomitant singularity (in principle) in the density of final wide well states.
Molecular beam epitaxial growth of InSb p-i-n photodetectors on GaAs and Si
Author(s):
Erick J. Michel;
R. Peters;
Steven Slivken;
Christopher Louis Jelen;
P. Bove;
Jianren Xu;
Ian T. Ferguson;
Manijeh Razeghi
Show Abstract
High quality InSb has been grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy and optimized using Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction. A 4.8 micrometers InSb layer grown on GaAs at a growth temperature of 395 degree(s)C and a III/V incorporation ratio of 1:1.2 had an X-ray rocking curve FWHM of 158 arcsec and a Hall mobility of 92300 cm2V-1s-1 at 77 K, the best reported to date for InSb nucleated directly onto GaAs. InSb p-i-n structures of 5.8 micrometers grown under the same conditions demonstrated a X-ray Full Width at Half Maximum of 101 arcsec and 131 arcsec for GaAs and Si substrates, respectively, and exhibited excellent uniformity of +/- 3 arcsec over a 3' substrate. Prototype InSb p-i-n detectors on Si have been fabricated and have demonstrated photovoltaic response at 6.5 micrometers up to 200 K. These p-i-n detectors have also exhibited the highest D* for a device grown onto Si.
High-speed and high-power field effect transistors as drivers of optical modulation systems: physical limitations, state of the art, and trends
Author(s):
Georges Salmer
Show Abstract
For developing the applications of integrated optics to microwave and millimeter wave systems, a key point is the very high speed modulation of the lightwave. As external modulations seem to constitute the best solution, they need the availability of specific driving devices. The main requirements of these devices are given, in terms of speed (current gain cut-off frequency), current density, and breakdown voltage. The principle and capabilities of various kinds of field effects transistors available are summarized, with a large insistance on those that present the greatest potential such as the High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMT) on InP substrate. Finally, the recent improvement of performance (speed, current density, breakdown voltage) are presented and discussed. It appears that the requirement on breakdown voltage remains the most difficult to satisfy for very high speed devices such as HEMT on InP but recent results lets hope the availability of satisfying devices in near future.
New concepts of optoelectronic integrated circuits for microwave applications: MOMICs
Author(s):
Didier J. Decoster
Show Abstract
For systems applications using both optics and microwave, specially designed optoelectronic devices and integrated circuits are often required. Starting from some system applications, we discuss the main performance of opto-microwave devices and show how to design and fabricate them. Particular emphasis is made on new optoelectronic integrated circuits that we call Microwave Optoelectronic Monolithic Integrated Circuits (MOMIC's). Examples of MOMIC's presented here are: matching emitters and receivers, optical circuits made with dielectric materials, multielectrode lasers, millimeter wave transducers.
Er-doped sol-gel glasses for integrated optics
Author(s):
C.-Y. Li;
J. Ingenhoff;
S. Iraj Najafi;
J. E. Chisham;
M. MacLachlan;
Mark P. Andrews;
Yu-Hua Kao;
John D. Mackenzie;
Tomoko Ohtsuki;
Nasser Peyghambarian
Show Abstract
Erbium-doped glasses are of great interest for optical fiber telecommunications at 1.5 micrometers . The sol-gel process offers many advantages for synthesizing materials for integrated optical devices. Some of these advantages include high-purity, low-temperature synthesis, and excellent control and flexibility over composition and design. In this paper, we report the first Er-doped sol-gel waveguides. We examined several approaches for alleviating the OH- quenching problem associated with conventional sol-gel processes. We prepared the first ion exchangeable Er-doped glasses which can be fabricated into integrated optical devices. The concept of molecular docking of Er as a coordinate complex in gel matrices to improve the luminescence properties has been applied. We also exploited the concept of using the evanescence field to couple energy into an Er-doped sol-gel layer on top of a glass optical device. New progresses in modifying the properties of gel matrices for integrated optical device applications are presented.
Novel applications of low-energy ions in molecular beam epitaxy of III-V semiconductors
Author(s):
Scott A. Barnett;
Joanna Mirecki-Millunchick;
Jose Gregorio Labanda;
Ron Kaspi;
L. Hultman
Show Abstract
In this paper, recent results on the use of low-energy ions in molecular beam epitaxy are described. Mechanisms for ion damage formation are discussed and conditions where ion irradiation can be used without introducing damage are reported. Three main applications are discussed. First, the use of ions to suppress 3D island nucleation during the early stages of strained-layer growth is presented, with particular attention paid to the ion-induced prevention of extended defect formation and strain relaxation. The current understanding of the mechanisms by which ion irradiation affects nucleation is also summarized. Second, ion- induced suppression of phase separation in InGaAsSb alloys during growth on lattice-matched to InP substrates is described. Third, the application of very-low-energy (approximately equals 50 eV) and glancing-angle 1 keV Ar ions to damage-free sputter cleaning and etching of GaAs is discussed.
Aluminum-free quantum well intersubband photodetectors with p-type GaAs wells and lattice-matched ternary and quaternary barriers
Author(s):
James R. Hoff;
Erwan Bigan;
Gail J. Brown;
Manijeh Razeghi
Show Abstract
Acceptor doped Quantum Well Intersubband Photodetectors with GaAs wells and lattice matched barriers of both ternary (In0.49Ga0.51P) and quaternary (In0.62Ga0.38As0.22P0.78) materials have been grown on semi-insulating GaAs substrates by Low Pressure Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition. Mesa devices were fabricated and subjected to a series of tests to illuminate experimentally some of the detection capabilities of the lattice matched quaternary InxGa1-xAsyP1-y system with (0 <EQ x <EQ 0.52) and (0 <EQ y <EQ 1). The observed photoresponse cut-off wavelengths are in good agreement with the activation energies observed in the temperature dependence of the dark currents. Kronig-Penney calculations were used to model the intersubband transition energies.
Variation of threshold current with well-barrier hole-burning effect in quantum well lasers
Author(s):
Hussain Arbab Tafti;
Fatima N. Farokhrooz;
K. K. Kamath;
P. R. Vaya
Show Abstract
Well-barrier (W-B) hole burning in quantum well lasers is argued to be a consequence of the carrier build up in the barrier during the capture and release of carriers by the quantum well. The rate in this process are characterized by a capture time ((tau) c) and by the in/out ratio ((eta) ) defined as the ratio of the capture and release times for carriers into and out of the well region. In this paper a circuit model to represent W-B hole burning that is responsible for a large change in the threshold current density have been developed from the ratio equations. The model is simulated using the circuit simulation program SPICE for various values of (eta) and compared for a QW with and without W-B barrier hole burning.
Lasers based on intersubband transitions in quantum wells
Author(s):
Ali A. Afzali-Kushaa;
George I. Haddad
Show Abstract
The frequency dependence of the various parameters which determines the feasibility of intersubband lasers based on quantum wells are discussed and the more desirable frequency range in terms of each parameter is described. These parameters include the optical gain, the confinement factor, the relaxation rate, and the optical losses. The advantages and disadvantages of employing both electrical and optical pumping for creating population inversion for intersubband lasers are also discussed. Then, the potential problems concerning the realization of some of the proposed laser structures based on intersubband transitions in quantum wells are discussed and the more promising schemes are determined. Based on the recently published experimental results on resonant tunneling processes in coupled quantum wells as well as the free carrier absorption in doped layers, it is concluded that the realization of proposed electrically pumped lasers at far-infrared frequencies is extremely difficult at the present time. This is due to the high free carrier absorption in the doped layers and the inability to invert the population of the upper and lower subbands (laser states) of the quantum well in the active layer. Optically pumped structures do not necessary rely on the resonant tunneling process for creating population inversion and also doped injector/collector layers may be avoided in these structures and hence they could be more promising for the realization of intersubband lasers at far-infrared frequencies.
Er-doped Si/SiO2 microcavities
Author(s):
E. Fred Schubert;
J. M. Poate
Show Abstract
The optical characteristics and the recombination dynamics of Er-doped Si/SiO2 planar microcavities are reviewed. We show that the emission characteristics of the optically excited Er3+ ions are significantly changed by microcavity effects. For emission-resonant microcavities, the intensity, spectral characteristics, far-field distribution, and spontaneous lifetime are changed. For absorption-resonant microcavities, the absorption efficiency of the 980 nm excitation is strongly enhanced. The results demonstrate that the employment of microcavities in optical as well as optoelectronic devices provides new possibilities to enhance the properties of photonic and optoelectronic devices.
Semiconductor microcavity light-emitting structures
Author(s):
Igor Vurgaftman;
Jasprit Singh
Show Abstract
Over the last decade considerable advances have been made in the area of semiconductor lasers as a result of tailoring the electronic structure of the active medium. This has been accomplished through the use of quantum confinement and built-in strain. There has been less emphasis on altering the photonic properties to improve laser performance. In this paper we examine the potential of a surface-emitting microcavity structure with submicron lateral dimensions for improving laser performance. We find that as the lateral dimensions are decreased, the photon density of states starts to change. In particular, strongly resonant states associated with Bragg reflection begin to dominate the photon spectrum. By placing the resonance peak close to the gain peak in the active quantum well region, a number of laser properties can be altered. The dimensions at which the changes start to be significant is about (lambda) /na, where na is the refractive index of the active region. A study of how the threshold current, dynamic characteristics and laser linewidth change as a function of the microcavity dimensions is presented. Our studies show that the spontaneous emission factor (beta) approaches a value of approximately equals 0.5 for small structures with high mirror reflectivities. This in turn results in essentially zero threshold lasing for a microcavity with lateral dimensions < 0.3 micrometers (for emission at 1.3 eV). The laser linewidth increases as (beta) decreases, but the increase is not proportional to (beta) , and even for small structures, the linewidth is expected to be in the range of 100 MHz to 1 GHz, which may be adequate for many applications. The -3 dB response of the 0.3 micrometers laser exceeds 40 GHz.
Design, fabrication, and modeling of high-speed metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors with indium-tin-oxide (ITO) and Ti/Pt/Au contacts
Author(s):
Christian Beaulieu;
Francois L. Gouin;
Julian P. Noad;
William Hartman;
Ewa Lisicka-Skrzek;
Karen A. Vineberg;
Ezio Berolo
Show Abstract
Metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors have been fabricated on undoped epitaxial GaAs material with gold and indium-tin-oxide interdigitated contacts. In both cases, various electrode configurations were laid out with combinations of finger spacings and finger widths ranging from 1 to 3 micrometers and detector cross-sections of 25 X 25, 50 X 50 and 100 X 100 micrometers 2. Frequency response measurements were carried out up to 20 GHz using a high-speed electro-optic modulator combined with a DC-operated laser diode and an ultrafast photodetector for system calibration. This frequency domain technique ensures accurate measurement of true analog bandwidth compared to time-domain techniques which can easily lead to an overestimation of photodetector bandwidth. Photodetector responsivity has been plotted as a function of bias voltage. We note that for similar devices, Ti/Pt/Au contact MSMs require lower bias voltages before they reach their saturation bandwidth than ITO contact MSMs. For a 100 X 100 micrometers 2 ITO MSM with a 2 micrometers finger width and a 2 micrometers finger spacing, the 3 dB bandwidth was measured to be 4 GHz at 10 V bias. By comparison, similar gold contact MSMs exhibit 3 dB bandwidths in excess of 12 GHz. The difference in speed is partly explained by the higher device parasitics of the ITO MSMs, as confirmed by S11 measurements made on both types of device. The S11 data was also used to extract the MSM equivalent circuit parameters for a high-frequency MSM model. Similar measurements on other electrode configurations show that as expected, the speed of ITO MSMs become considerably higher as device size is decreased, until the limit where transmit-time effects start to dominate the overall performance.
High-power coherent sources based on antiguided structures
Author(s):
Luke J. Mawst;
Dan Botez
Show Abstract
Antiguided arrays (80 micrometers aperture) have demonstrated 0.5 W CW in a diffraction limited beam with reliable operation over several thousand hours. Larger aperture (120 micrometers ) devices have demonstrated 1 W CW in a beam 1.7 X D.L. Due to the parallel nature of the leak-wave coupling, antiguided structures are unique among coupled oscillator systems in that they display temporal stability to high output powers. Preliminary results on aluminum- free InGaP based antiguided structures are 0.5 W pulsed in a D.L. beam from a 40 micron aperture source.
New solid state photomultiplier
Author(s):
Dmitry A. Shushakov;
Vitaly E. Shubin
Show Abstract
The physical properties of a new high-sensitive photodetector developed on the base of Avalanche heterostructures with Negative Feedback (ANF) are considered. The main difference between such a structure and a conventional avalanche photodiode (APD) is non- stationarity of the electrical field strength in an avalanche region caused by the feedback. It is shown that when the non-stationarity is manifested at amplification of a single photocarrier, it changes radically the main characteristics of the avalanche process. A qualitative physical model of ANF process and the results of numerical simulation and experiments are presented. They exhibit an ability of ANF-based device to provide a unique for solid state photosensor a combination of low noise, high gain and low response time. It is also shown that at the same time the negative feedback enables an avalanche device to be manufactured in multi-element design without serious difficulties. The experimental distribution of gain resulting from single- electron-initiated avalanche events was obtained on a SiC-Si ANF heterostructure, and confirmed the main model predictions. The results, illustrating the process of a few-photon light pulse registration are also presented. The opportunities of ANF-based devices further development are discussed.
Application of synchrotron radiation to semiconductor surfaces, interfaces, and heterostructures
Author(s):
Massimo Altarelli
Show Abstract
A brief review of the main experimental techniques exploiting synchrotron radiation in semiconductor surface and interface physics is attempted. Topics emphasized include the study of surface and interface phenomena, such as structural properties (e.g. surface reconstruction) by x-ray diffraction, interface structural and dynamical properties (e.g. adsorbate vibrational amplitudes) by the x-ray standing wave technique, and the study of heterostructures by a combination of x-ray diffraction, specular reflectivity, etc. This review emphasizes brilliance (the phase-space density of photons) as the main figure of merit for many experimental techniques applicable to research in semiconductor physics. Examples of novel experiments made possible by the so-called `third generation', high-brilliance synchrotron sources are presented.
Metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) study of high-quality Bi-2223 superconducting thin films
Author(s):
Kazuhiro Endo
Show Abstract
Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconducting films consisting of 2223-high Tc single phase have been prepared on LaAlO3(100) and Nd:YAlO3(001) substrates without post-annealing by MOCVD. As-deposited films exhibited the highest Tc(zero) of 97 K and the highest Jc of 3.8 X 105 Acm-2 at 77 K under zero magnetic field as reported so far. It also showed little degradation of Jc under high magnetic field up to 8 T at 77 K. It was speculated through the measurement of the angular dependence of Jc that the origin of such high Jc is primarily attributed to the intrinsic pinning mechanism. AFM observations of these film surfaces have been carried out to elucidate the crystal growth mechanism and the effect of surface structures on superconducting properties. AFM images of the film surfaces grown on LaAlO3(100) (off angles <EQ 0.3 deg.) and on Nd:YAlO3(001) (off angle approximately 2.7 deg.) clearly showed a 2D nucleation growth and a step flow growth mechanism, respectively. The magnetic-field dependence of Jc and the observed surface morphologies strongly suggest that these as-grown films have no weak-links, which is a promising characteristic for device applications.
Accurate determination of surface coverage in migration-enhanced epitaxy of compound semiconductors
Author(s):
J. K. Furdyna;
H. Luo;
Steven W. Short;
S. H. Xin
Show Abstract
We describe a new and highly precise method for determining the surface coverage during epitaxial deposition of compound semiconductors, using migration enhanced epitaxy (MEE). By monitoring the MEE reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) intensity and a simple simulation of RHEED oscillations, one can determine the surface coverage with an accuracy of much better than 0.01 monolayer per cycle of MEE growth. The simplicity of the method makes it practical and convenient for preparing heterostructures with well defined and well characterized interfaces. The specific results reported are for ZnSe and ZnTe, but the method applies equally well to other compound semiconductors in both the II-VI and the III-V families.
Defects and interfaces in low-temperature grown Ge/Si heterostructures
Author(s):
Serge Oktyabrsky;
Jagdish Narayan
Show Abstract
Initial stages of misfit relaxation process in Ge epitaxial films grown by pulsed laser deposition on (001) Si substrates have been investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Special emphasis is placed on conditions leading to a 2D (layer-by-layer) growth mode. The evolution of the dislocation network as a function of film thickness and thermal annealing is controlled by surface undulations and interactions between dislocations. The dislocation interactions leading to rearrangements in a nonequilibrium dislocation network driven by elastic interaction between parallel 60 degree(s) dislocation segments are discussed in detail. Based upon our experimental observations, we propose a model for the formation of stacking faults in heterostructures.
Electron transmission through ultrathin metal layers and its spin dependence for magnetic structures
Author(s):
Henri-Jean Drouhin;
G. Lampel;
Y. Lassailly;
A. J. van der Sluijs;
C. Marliere
Show Abstract
We present a new set of experiments in which the attenuation of a `monoenergetic', possibly spin-polarized, free-electron beam is measured by direct transmission through an ultra-thin metal layer. The self-supported metal target is either a reference gold sample or a ferromagnetic structure. The overall thickness is of the order of 25 nm. The magnetic structure consists of a 1 nm-thick cobalt film sandwiched between 21 and 2 nm-thick gold layers, with perpendicular magnetization. Measurements are performed throughout a wide energy range, with incident electron energies between 2 and 1000 eV above the Fermi level. The transmission of the gold layer is found to be substantially higher than that of the magnetic structure. In the latter case, at low energy, close to the clean surface vacuum level, we find that the majority spin electrons are more easily transmitted than the minority spin electrons. Cesium deposition on the exit side or on both sides of the target increases the overall transmitted current by almost an order of magnitude. In the case of the magnetic structure, this also increases the transmission spin-asymmetry from 16 to about 40%. Such structures appear to be well-suited to the construction of convenient and compact spin-detectors.
Ferroelectric oxide thin films for photonic applications
Author(s):
Bruce W. Wessels
Show Abstract
Ferroelectric oxide thin films have been synthesized by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition for potential applications in OEICs. Initial emphasis has been on the BaTiO3 system because of its excellent electro-optic and non-linear optical properties. Epitaxial thin films have been prepared with excellent ferroelectric properties. Second-order non-linear susceptibilities of the thin films approaching the bulk value have been measured. The doping of the thin films with the rare earth ion Er has been achieved. Strong characteristic 4f shell emission has been observed at 1.5 micron under optical excitation. This suggests that BaTiO3 thin films may be well-suited as a gain medium for integrated optical amplifiers. Other ferroelectric epitaxial films have been synthesized including SrBaNb2O6 and KNbO3 and their nonlinear optical properties measured. Prospects and challenges for integration of these ferroelectric thin films in OEICs are discussed.
Constraints imposed by the data on a successful theory of high-temperature superconductivity
Author(s):
Howard A. Blackstead;
John D. Dow
Show Abstract
Data for high-temperature superconductivity are analyzed in order to determine the required nature of a successful general theory of oxide superconductivity. (1) The p-type nature of high-temperature superconductivity requires a model based on oxygen. (2) Since ideal (Rare- earth) Ba2Cu3O7 compounds superconduct at approximately equals 92 K even for magnetic rare-earth ions, but the same compounds do not superconduct when many of the same magnetic ions occupy Ba-sites, the superconductivity must originate in the charge-reservoir region, not in the cuprate planes. (3) The recent observation of photo-induced superconductivity in YBa2Cu3Ox, but not in La2CuO4, indicates the importance of charge-balance and whether the dopant oxygen is interstitial or substitutional. (4) Pair-breaking data require that a successful model be three-dimensional. (5) The observation of granular superconductivity in PrBa2Cu3O7 requires a successful model to be inhomogeneous. (6) Many data require that the superconductivity originate in charge-reservoirs, rather than in cuprate planes. The following classes of models are ruled out: (1) Cu+2↔Cu+3 valence fluctuations models; (2) spin-fluctuation and d-wave pairing models; (3) hybridization and t-J models of the insulating nature of PrBa2Cu3O7; (4) all models based on the charge-transfer hypothesis; (5) all two- dimensional models; and (6) all homogeneous models.
Optical and electrical properties of doped poly-3-octylthiophene films
Author(s):
Russell L. Lidberg;
Kisholoy Goswami;
Marvin R Lovato;
Ramasubraman Venkatasubramanian;
William H. Engelmann
Show Abstract
Optical absorption and electrical conductivity measurements of solution-doped poly-3- octylthiophene (P3OT) films were studied. Chloroform solutions of P3OT were doped with the organic electron-acceptors, 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) and 7,7,8,8- tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ); and with the inorganic electron acceptor, ferric chloride (FeCl3). Charge transfer was observed in P3OT solutions doped with FeCl3 and DDQ. TCNQ-doped solutions showed no optical evidence of charge transfer. Thin films of the doped P3OT were examined at various doping levels. Spectroscopic and electrical conductivity measurements of P3OT films, doped with DDQ, TCNQ, and FeCl3 at different doping levels, are presented. Optical absorption measurements provided information on the degree of charge transfer occurring for the various dopants. Electrical conductivity measurements showed that the conductivity of P3OT increased with the various dopants in the order of TCNQ < DDQ < FeCl3, for the same dopant level. Results are discussed in relation to the electrochemical properties of the prepared films.
Thermal population from hole mixing tunneling in asymmetric coupled double wells
Author(s):
Changping Luo;
Zhong Ying Xu;
De Sheng Jiang;
Jizong Xu;
Baozhen Zheng;
Penghua Zhang;
Xiaoping Yang
Show Abstract
The high energy tails in continuous wave photoluminescence spectra of asymmetric coupled double wells are studied under various excitation intensities and at different lattice temperatures. Hole mixing tunneling induced thermal population of hot carriers is firstly demonstrated and distinguished from photon heating. The corresponding thermalization process is shown to be dominated by acoustic phonon scattering.
Test structures for modeling and fabrication of Fabry-Perot-type GaAs/AlGaAs waveguide modulators
Author(s):
Sergiusz Z. Patela;
Robert A. Lowkis;
Regina Paszkiewicz;
Bogdan Paszkiewicz;
Marek J. Tlaczala;
Jacek M. Radojewski;
Anna Sankowska
Show Abstract
Modulator structures fabricated in GaAs/AlGaAs multilayer system offer the advantages of optoelectronic circuits integration and backup of well developed epitaxial layers technology. Fabry-Perot (F-P) waveguide-type modulators have been analyzed and fabricated in MOCVD produced GaAs/AlGaAs structures. Test structures have been developed to obtain the values of material and technological parameters necessary for exact modelling and successful technology development. Theoretical model of F-P modulator has been developed. The output intensity dependencies of F-P modulator on different input parameters are plotted and then obtained characteristics are considered in terms of fabrication technology and modulator applications. With measured electrical parameters, equivalent circuits of electrode structure has been built. The model has been used to analyze the frequency response of the device in the range from DC to RF. Finally, system approach is developed towards the processes of research and fabrication of Fabry-Perot type electro-optic modulator.
Liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) of GaAs from the Ga-Bi solutions
Author(s):
Marek Panek;
Regina Paszkiewicz;
Marek J. Tlaczala;
Bogdan Paszkiewicz;
Janusz Kozlowski;
Sergey Novikov;
V. V. Tshaldyshev
Show Abstract
Liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) has been carried out from the mixed Ga+Bi solution of different thickness to improve GaAs epilayer surface morphology and the growth process control. The difference between thin and thick solutions has been demonstrated. The process occurring during epitaxy of GaAs layers growth in a non-stationary LPE system from a molten Ga-Bi solution has been studied. Results obtained from thin and thick liquid phase epitaxy has been compared with the diffusion limited compound semiconductor epitaxial growth model. The results revealed that there are two anomalous kinetics growth zones of solvent composition in which the growth rate is unpredictable by diffusion theory of LPE. A model of the LPE growth from Ga-Bi solutions has been suggested, that take into account complex shape of the liquids curve of the Ga-Bi-As system and changes in the mass transfer process occurring in the microinhomogeneous liquid phase. Electrical and optical property of GaAs epitaxial layer grown from mixed Ga-Bi solvent was studied and discussed. The results from two laboratories that used different experimental methods have been compared.
Coupling structures for active and passive integrated optoelectronic components and circuits on silicon
Author(s):
Dieter Zurhelle;
Jan Peter Schmidt;
Rainer Hoffmann;
Dietmar Sander;
Joerg Mueller
Show Abstract
Efficient coupling structures are important for the realization of reliable and economical integrated optical circuit applications. This paper presents a new approach for the simulation of an anisotropic plasma etching process in silicon based on a string point model as well as the realization and the results of etching processes in silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon oxinitride and silicon nitride which are fundamental for the fabrication of coupling structures. The connections to active and passive components were fabricated using plasma etching and deposition processes which are compatible with C-MOS or BIC-MOS technology. The realized waveguide-detector structures with vertical and horizontal silicon PIN-diodes exhibit efficiencies close to 90% for wavelength below 1.1 micrometers . The diodes can detect signals of modulation frequencies of more than 400 MHz due to horizontal light injection and capacitances less than 1 pF. Fiber-detector coupling structures with U-grooves for the fiber alignment containing such detectors show similar results. The necessary accuracy of the etched depth of the U-grooves for fiber-detector coupling is +/- 2 micrometers in contrast to a fiber- waveguide coupling which requires a reproducible accuracy of the process better than 0.5 micrometers . A reduction of coupling losses due to the necessary close tolerances is accomplished by waveguide tapers. The simulation, realization and results for such structures are presented in the paper. Also laser diode--fiber connections require extremely close tolerances. The design of a micro-optical bench realized by plasma etching and a selfaligning soldering process is presented, which allows such tolerances.
ZnSe/GaAs(100) thin layers, ZnS-ZnSe-ZnS/GaAs(100) single quantum well structures and ZnS/ZnSe/GaAs(100) superlattices grown by photoassisted VPE
Author(s):
Alexander Vladimirov Kovalenko;
V. V. Tishchenko
Show Abstract
It has been shown that photo-assisted VPE (radiation source He-Cd laser hv equals 2,807 eV, P equals 0,8 mW/cm2) at low substrate temperatures (170 - 350 °C) and big temperature gradient (200 - 250 °C/cm) give results in extremely pure layers II-VI materials such as ZnSe/(100). Using this technology the single quantum well structures of ZnS-ZnSe-ZnS/GaAs (100) type and ZnS/ZnSe/GaAs(100) superlattices have been grown for the first time. Reflection and photoluminescence spectra of the obtained structures have been studied.
Hydrogenated amorphous silicon speed sensor based on the flying spot technique
Author(s):
Manuela Vieira;
Alessandro Fantoni;
A. Felipe Macarico;
Fernando Soares;
Rodrigo Martins
Show Abstract
PIN devices based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) became fundamental elements of many different types sensors, based on either the transverse or the lateral photovoltaic effect. In the past we have developed a transient technique, called the Flying Spot Technique (FST), based on the lateral photoeffect. FST allows, not only to infer the ambipolar diffusion length but also the effective lifetime of the photogenerated carriers once the light spot velocity and geometry of the structure were known. In this paper we propose to apply this technique backwards in order to detect the path and velocity of an object that is moving in a light source direction. The light reflected back from the object is analyzed through p.i.n. structure being the transient transverse photovoltage dependent on the object movement (position and velocity). Assuming known the transport properties of the material and the geometry of the device and using a triangulation method we show that it is possible to map the object movement. Details concerning material characterization, simulation and device geometry are presented.
Spatial microscopic/macroscopic control and modeling of the p.i.n devices stability
Author(s):
Alessandro Fantoni;
Manuela Vieira;
Rodrigo Martins
Show Abstract
The introduction into a traditional p.i.n. structure of two defective buffer layers near the p/i and i/n interfaces can improve the device stability and efficiency through an enhancement of the electric field profile at the interfaces and a reduction of the available recombination bulk centers. The defectous layer (`i-layer'), grown at a higher power density, present a high density of the defects and acts as `gettering centers' able to tailor light induced defects under degradation conditions. If the i-layer density of states remains below 1016 eV-1 cm-3 and assuming a Gaussian distribution of defect states, the gettering center distribution will not affect significantly the carrier population but only its spatial distribution. We report here about a device numerical simulation that allows us to analyze the influence of the `i-layer' position, thickness and density of states on the a-Si:H solar cells performances. Results of some systematic simulation rom the ASCA program (Amorphous Solar Cell Analysis), and for different configurations will be presented.
Light-induced effects on low-frequency drain conductance and transconductance in GaAs MESFETs
Author(s):
Boguslaw Boratynski;
Bogdan Paszkiewicz;
Iwona Zborowska-Lindert;
Miroslaw Szreter
Show Abstract
Light induced effects on low frequency measurement of small signal driven conductance and transconductance of GaAs MESFET's have been studied. Two versions of a 1 micrometers gate length MESFET fabricated in our laboratory were evaluated; one with ion implanted channel formed in GaAs buffer layer, the other with MOCVD epitaxial doped layer deposited on an undoped GaAs buffer layer. The values of small signal equivalent circuits elements were measured in the linear and saturated regions of I-V characteristics at frequencies from 10 Hz to 150 kHz. Optical excitation during the measurements was provided by red and IR LED's. The epitaxial channel structures showed to have small drain conductance and transconductance frequency dependence. The small signal parameters values were influenced by illumination in the whole measurement frequency range. The implanted channel structures demonstrated, in addition to a large frequency dispersion, a `resonance-like' peak at the transition frequency of 400 Hz to 600 Hz. This phenomenon was related to the dominant deep trap level (Ea equals 0.360 eV) located at the substrate--channel interface, which was found by temperature measurements.
Stark effect in type II heterostructure: application to electro-optical modulator
Author(s):
C. Lugand;
Taha Benyattou;
Gerard Guillot
Show Abstract
In this paper, we have simulated a new kind of modulator based on type II heterostructure where electrons and holes are spatially separated. Thanks to the dipole that originates from this separation, a linear Stark effect is expected with a blue or red shift depending on the sign of the bias. The proposed structure consists in a well composed of two layers In0.3Ga0.7As/In0.53Ga0.47As, and barriers of Al0.48In0.52As grown on InP. The alternance of tensile and lattice matched layer is expected to give rise to a type II heterostructure for light holes. We have solved the Schrodinger equation by the finite difference method using the envelope function approximation. Excitonic effects have also been taken into account using a variational approach. An equivalent type I structure in the system InGaAs/AlInAs has also been simulated for comparison. Both of them operates near 1.5 micrometers .
Photoreflectance measurement of internal piezoelectric fields in strained In0.2Ga0.8As/GaAs structures grown on polar substrates
Author(s):
Catherine Bru;
P. D. Berger;
Y. Baltagi;
Taha Benyattou;
Gerard Guillot;
Xavier Marcadet;
Julien Nagle
Show Abstract
Photoreflectance (PR) measurements are performed on specific structures grown by MBE on different substrate orientations: <111>B, <111>B 2 degree(s)off, <111>A and <100>. A strained In0.2Ga0.8As quantum well is grown in the space charge layer of an undoped GaAs layer. On a polar substrate orientation <111>, the strain induced piezoelectric field in the quantum well modifies the field in the space charge layer. PR spectra recorded in such structures exhibit Franz Keldysh oscillations from which we can measure the internal electric field. The piezoelectric field is then deduced from the comparison between two structures differing only by the presence of the strained quantum well. Experimental values range between 110 and 150 kV/cm, and are used to experimentally determine the piezoelectric constant e14 in In0.2Ga0.8As.
Investigations of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) resonant cavities by photoreflectance spectroscopy
Author(s):
P. D. Berger;
Catherine Bru;
Taha Benyattou;
Andre L. Chenevas-Paule;
Philippe Grosse
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Photomodulated reflectance spectra of vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) wafers have been measured between 9 K and 300 K. Structures used are grown in the AlGaAs based system, and are top surface emitting ones centered near 800 nm, with a lambda cavity, similar to those currently found in literature. One consists of a n+ DBR (Distributed Bragg Reflector) mirror and the cavity, the other is a full one: n+ DBR mirror, cavity and p+ top DBR mirror. For both structures photoreflectance measurements between 300 K and 9 K give interesting information on quantum wells and static electric field in the cavity. In this paper we discuss about the potentialities of this technique for the calibration of VCSEL growth, and its unique non invasive capability to determine quantum well/cavity alignment at room temperature comparing photoreflectance and reflectivity measurements, for vertical cavity devices.
Use of nitrogen as a carrier gas in LP-metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) for growth of GaAs AlGaAs and quantum well infrared photodetectors heterostructures
Author(s):
Igor Dmitrievich Zalevsky;
Alexander A. Chelny;
Vladimir Alekseevic Gorbylev;
Grachik H. Avetisyan;
Vladimir B. Kulikov
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In this paper the growth of GaAs and AlGaAs metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) when nitrogen is used as carrier gas instead of hydrogen have been investigated. Properties of epilayers were studied in dependence from such parameters of epitaxy process as V/III ratio in gas phase, susceptor temperature and pressure in reactor. We fixed a conductivity types conversion from n- to p-type when mole fraction of Al in AlGaAs was increased from 19% to 67%. The abroad of conversion is near 40%. The increasing of methyl-radicals from trimethylaluminum concentration is a possible reason of this fact. To demonstrate the possibility of device structure growth by using in MOCVD nitrogen as carrier gas in first time the Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors heterostructures have been fabricated. Some features of devices parameters are discussed. A device with mesa-structure has a dark current density of 1(DOT)10-6 A at U equals 2 V and T equals 77 K; the responsivity at U equals 2 V and 45 degree(s) angle incidence of IR-radiation was S equals 0.1 A/W ((lambda) max equals 10.7 mkm).
Modeling of an optically controlled FET
Author(s):
V. K. Singh;
B. P. Singh
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In recent years, the GaAs IC fabricated from Schottky gate field effect transistor (MESFET) have emerged as a promising technology for the development of high speed digital circuits. Optically controlled characteristics of the FET have been analyzed by singh etal which was used as a dual gate switching or memory device. The first gate used as a virtual gate where light is incident and another is the real gate where the bias is being applied. The present paper deals the modelling of in optically controlled GaAs FET. The basic physics behind above device is that when optical radiation is incident on the transparent or semitransparent GaAs, the electronhole pairs are generated just below the gate within the gate depletion region, resulting the changes in the relevant parameters of the device. However, the traps present at the surface recombine via deep traps reduces the device performance. The results present the design criteria for such device in terms of trap center density either at or close to the surface of the GaAs material and the diffusion effect. The device is also observed to be useful either as a power device or switching device in addition to the detecting device.
Natural absorption energetics of the crystal semiconductors
Author(s):
Nadezhda Pavlovna Netesova
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The investigations of the energetics of the phase transitions from crystal to both the solution and a molecular and atomic gas is a high priority task of the condensed medium physics. It is known the linear experimental dependence of gap energy from atomic energy for the ionic semiconductors. It is considered a molecular crystal model that establishes the connection between macroscopic crystal parameters and microscopic characteristics of atoms and molecules. The gap energy is equal the excited energy for the transition between the lower oscillation level of the fundamental and electron excited states of molecules with taking into account the power Born-Gabor cycles which are presented with using of Hess law for the sublimation, solution, dissociation, atomic, photoatomic energies of the crystal semiconductors. As follows from the summary reaction of the phase transitions the elementary processes of the conductivity proceed in molecular and atomic levels. Earlier it was shown for the fundamental absorption edge of polar crystals to be in close agreement with the absorption discontinuity of limiting dulute solutions of these crystals. In this connection the united one oscillator model was proposed for the description electronic characteristics both crystals and their solutions. In development of these ideas the bioscillator model is calculated for the natural absorption of the crystal semiconductors. It is established the accordance between the values of the electron bioscillator and molecular models of the crystals. The energy parameters are calculated for a number of crystal semiconductors from the absorption spectra.
Dark current characteristics and background-limited (BLIP) performance of AlGaAs/GaAs quantum well detectors
Author(s):
Jan Y. Andersson;
Lennart Lundqvist;
Jan Borglind
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The most prominent mechanism of dark current in infrared detectors based on intersubband transitions in quantum wells (QWIP) is due to interaction of electrons with longitudinal optical phonons. Theoretical expressions are derived for the carrier lifetime, and for generation currents due to both photo-excitation as well as thermal excitation in a quantum well. Detector gain is discussed briefly. Calculated values of thermal generation currents and the ratio of photo-current to thermal current are found to accord well with experimental data. Finally the BLIP performance of QWIPs is investigated and the theory gives TBLIP equals 81 K for a 9 micrometers cut-off detector with a 2D grating and optical cavity, for 300 K background temperature, optics f-number equals 1 with 100% transmission, and if a photo- to dark current ratio equals 1 criterion is used.
New capabilities of GaAs detectors for UV applications
Author(s):
Monique T. Constant;
Dorothee T. Loridant;
J. C. Camart;
S. Meziere;
Luc Boussekey;
M. Chive
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The purpose of this paper is to introduce UV sensors based on GaAs material and specially suited for low light power detection in spectroscopic systems and energy measurements of UV radiation in industrial and biomedical applications. Of particular interest here are n-type GaAs planar photoconductors optimized for UV detection and UV dosimeters made of plasma hydrogenated n+-type GaAs. After a description of the devices and their technology, an analysis of their electrical and optical properties is given. The results obtained are reviewed in terms of static responsivity and efficiency as a function of wavelength.
Photo- and electro-luminescence studies of uncooled arsenic-rich In(As,Sb) strained layer superlattice light-emitting diodes for the 4-12-um band
Author(s):
Patrick J.P. Tang;
Mark J. Pullin;
S. J. Chung;
Christopher C. Phillips;
R. A. Stradling;
A. G. Norman;
Y. B. Li;
L. Hart
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4-12 micrometers Photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) at room temperature are observed from In(As,Sb) undoped strained layer superlattices (SLS's) and SLS diodes. The SLS's are grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs substrates and are composed of arsenic rich alloys clad between InAs layers. The long wavelength emission is accounted for by an extreme type II valence band offset equals 830x meV (where x in the Sb composition). Internal PL efficiencies greater than 10% for light emission up to 9 micrometers are observed at 12 K in spite of presumed large dislocation densities due to the epilayer/substrate mismatch (approximately 7%). This is consistent with the thesis that defects in As rich alloys are, as in InAs, resonant with the conduction band instead of forming non-radiative recombination centers in the band gap. The high radiative efficiencies even at room temperature are attributed to the suppression of Auger recombination in the type II superlattice. We report the first Electroluminescence spectra covering the 4 - 12 micrometers wavelength range from a series of uncooled SLS LED's. Clear atmospheric absorption features in the EL spectra demonstrate their usefulness for gas sensing applications. The growth of these devices on GaAs substrates offers the possibility of easy integration with existing III-V fabrication technologies.
Modeling of normal incidence absorption in p-type GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well infrared detectors
Author(s):
Gail J. Brown;
Frank Szmulowicz
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The absorption of infrared radiation at normal incidence in p-type GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells, unlike in n-type, is fundamentally allowed. We have measured and theoretically modeled the bound-to-continuum absorption in these p-type materials. The infrared absorption coefficient was calculated are based on the electronic structure, wave functions and optical matrix elements obtained from an 8 X 8 envelope-function approximation (EFA) calculation. The 8 X 8 EFA Hamiltonian incorporates the coupling between the heavy, light, spin-orbit, and conduction bands. In calculating the continuum states for bound-to- continuum intersubband absorption, we do not enclose the well in an artificial box with infinite walls. A comparison of the theoretical absorption and measured photoresponse results verified the accuracy of our model and provided a basis for optimizing the design of p-type quantum wells for infrared detection.