2.2 Micron extended InGaAs photodiodes and photoreceivers

Photonic systems are being increasingly designed for multi-functional, distributed avionic platforms to satisfy the next-generation military needs [1]. This approach requires establishing high-capacity, Free-Space Optical (FSO) communication networks that connect a variety of mobile and aerial platforms in an ad-hoc fashion [2]. Traditional design methodology, that addresses a specific scenario with state-of-the-art performance, needs to be significantly upgraded to increase scalability and flexibility. For example, although traditional FSO designs have leveraged ubiquitous 1550 nm telecommunication technologies, recent advances in 2 micron wavelength fiber amplifiers and lasers enable links having inherently better eye safety and atmospheric propagation characteristics [3]. Such 2 micron links cannot be realized with conventional InGaAs high-speed photodetectors.