Large-format multi-wafer production of 5' GaSb-based photodetectors by molecular beam epitaxy

GaSb and its heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) have received much attention given their application in a wide range of mid-wave and long-wave IR photodetector applications. With the maturation of the MBE growth process, focus is now turned to improving manufacturing readiness and the transition to the production of large-format wafers. We will discuss the transition from the development of early detector layer structures on 2” diameter GaSb substrates, through today’s 3”/4” production standard, and to the onset of 5” pilot production from the perspective of volume compound semiconductor manufacturing. We will report on the growth of 5” GaSb-based MWIR nBn detector structures using a large format 5×5” production MBE platform. Structural and optical properties, as well as electrical data from large-area mesa diodes will be presented and compared with results achieved with smaller batch size MBE reactor platform.