Spectral function and responsivity of resonant tunneling and superlattice quantum dot infrared photodetectors using Green’s function

Abstract

Theoretical modeling of resonant tunneling (RT) and superlattice (SL) quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs) using Green’s function is reported. The RT QDIP gives very low dark current which improves the detectivity of the device and allows for high temperature operation. The SL QDIP gives high responsivity and is suitable for low-level signal detection. The theoretical model is based on Green’s function method which is used to calculate the spectral function and the density of states of the two detectors. The kinetic equation that governs Green’s functions is solved numerically using the method of finite differences. From the information obtained from the density of states, the possible energy transitions are obtained. The bound states are calculated by solving the eigenvalue problem using the method of finite differences, while the continuum states localized in the quantum dot region are calculated using Green’s functions. Using the first order dipole approximation and Fermi golden rule, the eigenstates are used to calculate the responsivity of the detectors which is compared with available experimental results. The theoretical model is then used for studying the effect of changing the quantum dot height-to-diameter ratio on the normal incidence responsivity of the SL structure.