Metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector with a-Ge:H absorption layer for 1.55um optical communication wavelength

S. Mirbaha; R. N. Tait

doi:10.1117/12.873029

22 September 2010 Metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector with a-Ge:H absorption layer for 1.55μm optical communication wavelength

S. Mirbaha, R. N. Tait

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7750, Photonics North 2010; 77501O (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.873029
Event: Photonics North 2010, 2010, Niagara Falls, Canada

Abstract

Metal-Semiconductor-Metal photodetectors (MSM-PDs) have been demonstrated with ease of fabrication, low capacitance, and faster responses compared to PIN photodetectors. Si and Ge are two of the CMOS compatible materials for sensing area of the photodetector. Ge, because of its higher mobility and absorption at 1.55μm wavelength is an attractive material of choice. In the outlined work, an interdigitated electrode MSM photodetector with a-Ge:H (amorphous-Ge:hydrogenated) as the sensing material has been recognized as a promising candidate for near infrared photodetection. Hydrogenating Ge generally helps improve material characteristics because it increases life time of photocarriers. Ge was sputter deposited with different H₂ concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 25% in the plasma gas. The highest hydrogen concentration showed the highest responsivity among other detectors showing that hydrogen helps to reduce the number of defects within the a-Ge film and therefore increase the life time of carriers. Results show that highest photocurrent belongs to a sample with 25% H₂ concentration in the plasma with a responsivity of 2mA/W and dark current of 11.6μA at 5v for a device area of 95×110 (μm)².

Citation Download Citation

S. Mirbaha and R. N. Tait "Metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector with a-Ge:H absorption layer for 1.55μm optical communication wavelength", Proc. SPIE 7750, Photonics North 2010, 77501O (22 September 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.873029

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