PATCH-ANTENNA FOR ENHANCED QWIP (QUANTUM WELL INFRARED PHOTODETECTOR) PERFORMANCES

The technology developed by the laboratory aims to provide infrared detectors in double-metal patch geometry. In this type of geometry, the absorbing zone is inserted between two metal layers, which form a microcavity that can also act as an antenna for infrared radiation. This geometry allows an increased responsiveness and a significant reduction of the detector’s dark current. In addition, the technology has a very high operating temperature limit compared to competing solutions, ease of production and high spatial uniformity.

Applications:

• High sensitive Infrared sensors (defense, space, …)
• Infrared Imaging (defense, security, maintenance, process control, medical…)
• Terahertz imaging

Competitive advantages:

• Operation at room temperature and limited temperature of 86 K
• Ease of production and uniformity
• Pixel size reduction up to 1μm2
• Improved detection: detection possible at normal incidence with low dependence on angle of incidence
• Better sensitivity: Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) < 1mK
• A thin active area (<252 nm)

Keywords: Infrared detection, Dark current, Temperature BLIP, Cryogenic temperature operation, Semiconductor detectors