Quantum-dot quantum-interference infrared photodetector: design proposal and modeling of performance characteristics

摘要

A novel design of an IR photodetector operating at wavelengths around 10 mum is presented. It is based on a three-level quantum coherence effect in semiconductor quantum dots as measured in balanced-homodyne detection in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The advantage of this design is the combination of room-temperature operation and fast response time, whereas the major drawback is the high noise-equivalent power. (C) 2004 Optical Society of America