Photo Detectors for Fiber Optic Communication Eric Gallo Fiber Optics ECE-E641 Winter 2003
Photo-detectors Convert light energy (photons) back into electrical signals in communication Broad range of devices with varying range of light absorption Speed, efficiency and cost vary widely from device to device
Operation of Detectors
Types of Detectors Photo Conductors PIN photodiodes Avalanche photodiodes Phototransistors MSM Photodetectors Heterostructure MSM Photodetectors
Quality Factors Responsivity Quantum Efficiency Capacitance Ratio of photons incident to current produced Quantum Efficiency Ratio of photons incident to EHP produced Capacitance Gain-Bandwidth Product FWHM, rise time, fall time Noise Signal-to-noise ratio
PIN Photodiodes Large absorption area Simple fabrication Unity gain Speed dependent on width Thermally generated carriers create noise within region
PIN Photo diodes
Avalanche Effect
Avalanche Photodiodes High gain due to avalanche multiplication effect Increased noise Silicon has high gain but low noise Si-InGaAs APD often used(diagram on right)
Metal-Semiconductor-Metal Photodiodes Similar operation to PIN diodes Low noise due to Schottky barriers Speeds dependent on carrier transit time (350GHz measured)
Heterostructure MSM Photodiodes Faster Response Time Lower Dark Current due to enhanced Schottky barriers Compatible with HEMT technology
HMSM with Distributed Bragg Reflector FWHM 11ps Internal quantum efficiency approximately 1 Dark Current 15pA High wavelength selectivity