Quantum-dot infrared photodetectors: A review
Quantum-dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs) are positioned to become an important technology in the field of infrared (IR) detection, particularly for high-temperature, low-cost, high-yield detector arrays required for military applications. High-operating temperature (≥150 K) photodetectors reduce the cost of IR imaging systems by enabling cryogenic dewars and Stirling cooling systems to be replaced by thermo-electric coolers. QDIPs are well-suited for detecting mid-IR light at elevated temperatures, an application that could prove to be the next commercial market for quantum dots. While quantum dot epitaxial growth and intraband absorption of IR radiation are well established, quantum dot non-uniformity remains as a significant challenge. Nonetheless, state-of-the-art mid-IR detection at 150 K has been demonstrated using 70-layer InAs/GaAs QDIPs, and QDIP focal plane arrays are approaching performance comparable to HgCdTe at 77 K. By addressing critical challenges inherent to epitaxial QD material systems (e.g., controlling dopant incorporation), exploring alternative QD systems (e.g., colloidal QDs), and using bandgap engineering to reduce dark current and enhance multi-spectral detection (e.g. resonant tunneling QDIPs), the performance and applicability of QDIPs will continue to improve. © 2009 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
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- 5104 Condensed matter physics
- 5102 Atomic, molecular and optical physics
- 1007 Nanotechnology
- 0205 Optical Physics
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Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Related Subject Headings
- 5104 Condensed matter physics
- 5102 Atomic, molecular and optical physics
- 1007 Nanotechnology
- 0205 Optical Physics
- 0204 Condensed Matter Physics