Combined Si Schottky barriers and SiGe/Si multi quantum wells for infrared detection

Un-cooled bolometer arrays have been considered as good choices for detection of infrared waves in the ranges of 3-5μm (MWIR: mid wavelength infrared) and 8-12μm (LWIR: long wavelength infrared). Advantages are found in their relative simplicity of mechanism and design, hence, fabrication cost, when compared to detectors working based on photon detection mechanisms. A temperature dependent resistor (or thermistor) is the core element of a bolometer. The rate of resistance dependency to temperature is a figure-of-merit for thermistor material, acting as the active element in a bolometer. This property is characterized by temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). At the same time, for the better IR detection and imaging quality, high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is also sought. Different materials have been proposed and/or implemented commercially to work as thermistor materials. Among them are VOx, amorphous silicon, amorphous and poly SiGe.