A Quantum Cascade Detector With Enhanced Extraction Efficiency Utilizing Localized Electric Field

An InGaAs/AlInAs quantum cascade detector (QCD) with localized electric field is proposed to produce a 40% higher extraction efficiency of photon-induced electrons when comparing with a conventional QCD. The localized electric field introduced by modulation doping extends the degrees of freedom in the regulation of electronic states in quantum wells, which has significant influence on the transport of electrons. The electric field can enhance the extraction efficiency by enlarging the transition matrix element related to the extraction process. The proposed mid-IR QCD demonstrates a peak responsivity of 156.9 mA/W and a Johnson noise limited detectivity of
$1.9\times 10 ^{11}$
Jones at 80K.