Enhancement in multicolor photoresponse for quaternary capped In0.5Ga0.5As/GaAs quantum dot infrared photodetectors implanted with hydrogen ions

In(Ga)As/GaAs-based quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs) are among the most efficient devices in the mid-wavelength infrared and long-wavelength infrared regions for various defense and space application purposes. Considering the importance of the results reported so far on In(Ga)As/GaAs QDIPs, here we had tried to develop a post-growth method for enhancing QDIP characteristics using both low energy and high energy light ion (hydrogen) implantations. The field-assisted tunneling process of dark current generation was suppressed due to the hydrogen ion implantation, even at a very high operational bias. A stronger multicolor photo-response was obtained for devices implanted with low energy hydrogen ions. From experimental results, we proposed a device model which explains the improved QDIPs performance caused by hydrogen ion implantation. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.