Open AccessMid-infrared-pumped quantum cascade structure for high-sensitive terahertz detection
Author(s) -
Yan Xie,
Ning Yang,
Suqing Duan,
Weidong Chu
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.24.015180
Subject(s) - terahertz radiation , responsivity , quantum cascade laser , optoelectronics , photomixing , optics , quantum well , materials science , quantum well infrared photodetector , picosecond , terahertz spectroscopy and technology , far infrared laser , laser , physics , photodetector , terahertz metamaterials
Based on multiple quantum wells, we design a pumping-detection quantum cascade structure for the detection of terahertz (THz) radiation. In the structure, carriers are first pumped by a mid-infrared (MIR) laser to an excited state, to get enough energy space for the following fast longitudinal optical (LO) phonon extraction. Within the LO-phonon extraction stair, an absorption well is designed for THz detection. Due to the establishment of LO-phonon stair extractor, carriers transport between quantum wells in picosecond range and a high responsivity for THz absorption can be obtained. We also find that doping in both MIR active well and extractor region is significant for high-speed response of the THz detection. Our design is expected to extend the high-sensitive detection of a quantum cascade photodetector from middle wave of MIR to THz region.