Ge-on-Si Single Photon Avalanche Diode Performance Enhancement with Photonic Crystal Nano-hole Arrays

McCarthy, C. , Smith, C. , Mowbray, H., Paul, D. and Millar, R. (2024) Ge-on-Si Single Photon Avalanche Diode Performance Enhancement with Photonic Crystal Nano-hole Arrays. In: SPIE OPTO 2024, San Francisco, California, USA, 27 Jan-01 Feb 2024, (doi: 10.1117/12.3001610)

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Abstract

Germanium-on-silicon (Ge-on-Si) single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) operating in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) have various applications such as long-range eye-safe LIDAR, quantum imaging, and quantum key distribution. These SPADs offer compatibility with Si foundries and potential cost advantages over existing InGaAs/InP devices. However, cooling is necessary to reduce dark-count rates (DCR), which limits photon absorption at 1550 nm wavelength. To address this, we propose integrating a photonic crystal (PC) nano-hole array structure on the Ge absorber layer. While this technique has shown enhanced responsivity in linear Ge detectors, its potential in Ge-on-Si SPADs remains unexplored. Our simulations consider temperature dependence and the impact of electric-field hot-spots on dark count rates. Through these simulations, we have identified means of enhancing single-photon detection efficiency (SPDE) without adversely affecting DCR. We predict significant improvements in performance, including at least a 2.5x enhancement in absorption efficiency.

Item Type:Conference Proceedings
Additional Information:The authors acknowledge funding from: Royal Academy of Engineering (RF-201819-18-187); Innovate UK (44835); Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UK EPSRC; EP/S026428/1, EP/T001011/1, EP/T00097X/1).
Keywords:Photonic crystals Single photon avalanche diodes Simulations Germanium Etching Absorption Electric fields Light absorption Short wave infrared radiation Data modeling
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Smith, Charlie and McCarthy, Charlie and Mowbray, Hannah and Millar, Dr Ross and Paul, Professor Douglas
Authors: McCarthy, C., Smith, C., Mowbray, H., Paul, D., and Millar, R.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
Research Group:Semiconductor Device Group
ISSN:0277-786X
Copyright Holders:Copyright: © 2024 SPIE
First Published:First published in Proceedings of SPIE 12880, Physics and Simulation of Optoelectronic Devices XXXII: 1288006
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
305161Germanium Tin Quantum DetectorsRoss MillarRoyal Academy of Engineering (RAE)RF/201819/18/187ENG - Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering
309639Single Photon Infrared Imaging, Detection and RangingDouglas PaulInnovate UK (INNOVATE)44835ENG - Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering
305567QuantIC - The UK Quantum Technoogy Hub in Quantum Enhanced ImagingMiles PadgettEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/T00097X/1P&S - Physics & Astronomy