Alternate configurations for blocked impurity band detectors
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Authors
Garcia, Jonathan C.
Subjects
Blocked Impurity Band (BIB)
Impurity Band Conduction (IBC)
infrared detector
infrared sensors
long wavelength infrared (LWIR)
very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR)
Impurity Band Conduction (IBC)
infrared detector
infrared sensors
long wavelength infrared (LWIR)
very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR)
Advisors
Haegel, Nancy M.
Karunasiri, Gamani
Date of Issue
2004-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Silicon Blocked Impurity Band (BIB) detectors are highly efficient, radiation-hardened photodetectors that operate in the range of 5-40 æm. To further extend BIB coverage to 40-350 æm, Ge and GaAs BIB detectors are under development; however, these new detectors face fabrication issues that have delayed their introduction. This thesis will describe the use of a numerical model to examine alternate operating modes for GaAs BIB detectors in order to bypass current fabrication issues. The numerical simulations provide an understanding of the fundamental physics that governs detector transport. The proposed alternatives to standard operation are created by reversing the detector's bias and varying the blocking layer thickness. Modeling indicates that reversing the bias on these detectors provides a larger signal current than standard configurations, while preserving the principal benefits gained from a multilayered device. At the same time, the alternate bias configuration allows for the use of thicker blocking layers, while preserving overall detector responsivity and reducing shot noise. This proposed new model of operation should allow for the relaxation of fabrication constraints without sacrificing the inherent benefits associated with BIB detectors. These devices are of potential interest for missile defense and terahertz surveillance applications.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Physics
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xiv, 47 p. : ill. (some col.) ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.