GeSn resonant-cavity-enhanced photodetectors for efficient photodetection at the 2 µm wavelength band.

The 2 µm wavelength band has recently gained increased attention for potential applications in next-generation optical communication. However, it is still challenging to achieve effective photodetection in the 2 µm wavelength band using group-IV-based semiconductors. Here we present an investigation of GeSn resonant-cavity-enhanced photodetectors (RCEPDs) on silicon-on-insulator substrates for efficient photodetection in the 2 µm wavelength band. Narrow-bandgap GeSn alloys are used as the active layer to extend the photodetection range to cover the 2 µm wavelength band, and the optical responsivity is significantly enhanced by the resonant cavity effect as compared to a reference GeSn photodetector. Temperature-dependent experiments demonstrate that the GeSn RCEPDs can have a wider photodetection range and higher responsivity in the 2 µm wavelength band at higher temperatures because of the bandgap shrinkage. These results suggest that our GeSn RCEPDs are promising for complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor-compatible, efficient, uncooled optical receivers in the 2 µm wavelength band for a wide range of applications.

Temperature dependent spectral response and detectivity of GeSn photoconductors on silicon for short wave infrared detection.

The GeSn direct gap material system, with Si complementary-metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility, presents a promising solution for direct incorporation of focal plane arrays with short wave infrared detection on Si. A temperature dependence study of GeSn photoconductors with 0.9, 3.2, and 7.0% Sn was conducted using both electrical and optical characterizations from 300 to 77 K. The GeSn layers were grown on Si substrates using a commercially available chemical vapor deposition reactor in a Si CMOS compatible process. Carrier activation energies due to ionization and trap states are extracted from the temperature dependent dark I-V characteristics. The temperature dependent spectral response of each photoconductor was measured, and a maximum long wavelength response to 2.1 µm was observed for the 7.0% Sn sample. The DC responsivity measured at 1.55 µm showed around two orders of magnitude improvement at reduced temperatures for all samples compared to room temperature measurements. The noise current and temperature dependent specific detectivity (D*) were also measured for each sample at 1.55 µm, and a maximum D* value of 1 × 10(9) cm·âˆšHz/W was observed at 77 K.