QWIP characteristics performance advantages o

摘要

Abstract: This paper addresses the following topics at an easy-to- understand physics level. We present simple analytical formulas in estimating the performance characteristics of quantum well IR photodetectors (QWIPs), including detectivity and temperature for background limited IR performance. We identify key parameters and their relations to the detector performance. We point out possible directions for future work to improve the performance. Features and opportunities of the QWIP technology are also pointed out and discussed. The shortcomings are also discussed, including low operating temperature. A brief comparison with other IR detector technologies is made. Note that all discussions here apply to QWIPs based on GaAs using electron intersubband transitions. !17