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A consistent trend in infrared imaging systems is a drive towards smaller pixel pitches in focal plane arrays. In this work, we present an extensive numerical study on how dark current, quantum efficiency, and modulation transfer function are affected when reducing the pixel pitch in SWIR InGaAs pixel arrays. From the results, we propose the introduction of diffusion control junctions into the pixel sub-architecture to lower dark current and improve modulation transfer function, with a minor decrease in specific detectivity.

The Gesub1-x/subSnsubx/suballoy is a promising material for optoelectronic applications. It offers a tunable wavelength in the infrared (IR) spectrum and high compatibility with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. However, difficulties in growing device quality Gesub1-x/subSnsubx/subfilms has left the potentiality of this material unexplored. Recent advances in technological processes have renewed the interest toward this material paving the way to potential applications. In this work, we perform a numerical investigation on absorption coefficient, radiative recombination rate, and Auger recombination properties of intrinsic and doped Gesub1-x/subSnsubx/subfor application in the extended-short wavelength infrared and medium wavelength infrared spectrum ranges. We apply a Green's function based model to the Gesub1-x/subSnsubx/subfull electronic band structure determined through an empirical pseudopotential method and determine the dominant recombination mechanism between radiative and Auger processes over a wide range of injection levels.

We report on the modulation transfer function (MTF) in short-wave infrared indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) on indium phosphide (InP) planar photodetector arrays. Our two-dimensional numerical method consists of optical simulations using the finite-difference time domain method and drift-diffusion simulations using the finite-element method. This parametric study investigates MTF dependence on pitch, the addition of refractive microlenses, the thickness of the InGaAs absorber, and the doping concentration of the InGaAs absorber. A focus is placed on the connection between the lateral diffusion of photogenerated holes in InGaAs and the MTF. It is found that the MTF of small-pitch arrays exhibit sub-ideal behavior due to pixel cross-talk resulting from a long minority carrier diffusion length. By incorporating monolithic microlenses with the InP substrate, the MTF response is improved for all pitches investigated, particularly for spatial frequencies near the respective cutoff frequencies. We also find a strong dependence of the MTF on the thickness and doping concentration in the absorbing region. Trends in dark current and quantum efficiency are reported.

Emission spectra of avalanching n(+)p junctions manufactured in a standard CMOS technology with no process modifications were measured over a broad photon energy spectrum ranging from 0.8 eV to 2.8 eV at various temperatures. The temperature coefficients of the emission rates at different photon energies were determined. Below a photon energy of 1.35 eV the temperature coefficient of emission was positive, and above 1.35 eV the temperature coefficient was negative. Two narrowband emissions were also identified from the temperature characterization, namely an enhanced positive temperature coefficient at 1.15 eV photon energy, and an enhanced negative temperature coefficient at 2.0 eV. Device simulations and Monte Carlo simulations were used to interpret the results.

We have numerically analyzed the electromagnetic and electrical characteristics of InAsSb nBn infrared detectors employing a photon-trapping (PT) structure realized with a periodic array of pyramids intended to provide broadband operation. The three-dimensional numerical simulation model was verified by comparing the simulated dark current and quantum efficiency to experimental data. Then, the power and flexibility of the nBn PT design was used to engineer spectrally filtering PT structures. That is, detectors that have a predetermined spectral response to be more sensitive in certain spectral ranges and less sensitive in others.

We have investigated crosstalk in HgCdTe photovoltaic pixel arrays employing a photon trapping (PT) structure realized with a periodic array of pillars intended to provide broadband operation. We have found that, compared to non-PT pixel arrays with similar geometry, the array employing the PT structure has a slightly higher optical crosstalk. However, when the total crosstalk is evaluated, the presence of the PT region drastically reduces the total crosstalk; making the use of the PT structure not only useful to obtain broadband operation, but also desirable for reducing crosstalk in small pitch detector arrays.