Temperature dependence of dark current in quantum well infrared detectors
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Authors
Hickey, Thomas R.
Subjects
Quantum well infrared photodetector
temperature dependence
dark current
thermionic emission
detectivity
temperature dependence
dark current
thermionic emission
detectivity
Advisors
Karunasiri, Gamani
Date of Issue
2002-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
The I-V characteristics of a bound-to-continuum QWIP device with Al0.37Ga0.63As barriers of 23 nm, In0.1Ga0.9As wells of 3.6 nm, and a doping density (nd) of 1018 cm-3 were gathered and analyzed for various temperatures. The device was cooled with a closed cycle refrigerator, and the data were acquired using the Agilent 4155B Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer. Dark current in the device was qualitatively explained, then further examined with a thermionic emission model. Using this model and an iterative Matlab program we were able to establish the energy levels within the well. In addition, the dark current limited detectivity (D*) of the device was determined as a function of the temperature in the 10 - 170 K range. It was found that the D* degrades at temperatures above 80 K due to excess thermionic emission from the quantum well. The details of the laboratory setup and test system and process are included with the intent to provide future students with simple and comprehensive procedural insight.
Type
Thesis
Description
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Format
xvi, 51 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.