Photo-Detectors Integrated with Resonant Tunneling Diodes

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Bruno Romeira (Author) Other; Luís M. Pessoa (Author) FEUP; Henrique M. Salgado (Author) FEUP; Charles N. Ironside (Author) Other; José M. L. Figueiredo (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Sensors

Vol. 13 No. 7

Pages: 9464-9482

ISSN: 1424-3210

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 28 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 32 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Technology > Optronics

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-006-K2D

DOI: 10.3390/s130709464

Abstract (EN): We report on photo-detectors consisting of an optical waveguide that incorporates a resonant tunneling diode (RTD). Operating at wavelengths around 1.55 μm in the optical communications C band we achieve maximum sensitivities of around 0.29 A/W which is dependent on the bias voltage. This is due to the nature of RTD nonlinear current-voltage characteristic that has a negative differential resistance (NDR) region. The resonant tunneling diode photo-detector (RTD-PD) can be operated in either non-oscillating or oscillating regimes depending on the bias voltage quiescent point. The oscillating regime is apparent when the RTD-PD is biased in the NDR region giving rise to electrical gain and microwave self-sustained oscillations Taking advantage of the RTD’s NDR distinctive characteristics, we demonstrate efficient detection of gigahertz (GHz) modulated optical carriers and optical control of a RTD GHz oscillator. RTD-PD based devices can have applications in generation and optical control of GHz low-phase noise oscillators, clock recovery systems, and fiber optic enabled radio frequency communication systems.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific