Metamorphic growth of ingaas on gap/si for SWIR photodetectors
Innovative metamorphic growth technique for InGaAs on GaP/Si templates enables low dislocation density SWIR photodetectors with enhanced quantum efficiency and dark current performance up to 1700 nm.
Overview
This research focuses on the metamorphic growth of InGaAs on GaP/Si templates to develop short-wave infrared (SWIR) photodetectors with superior performance. By leveraging advanced techniques such as compositional grading, thermal cyclic annealing, and strained layer superlattices, this approach aims to achieve low threading dislocation density, which is crucial for high-efficiency photodetectors. The goal is to extend the detector response to 1700 nm while maintaining high quantum efficiency and low dark current.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for precise growth control
- Achieves threading dislocation densities ranging from 1e6-6e6 cm^-2
- Techniques include compositional grading, thermal cycling, and strained layer superlattices
- Internal quantum efficiency exceeding 90% for previous 1.3 µm detectors
- Goals include maintaining 20% quantum efficiency at 1700 nm and comparable dark current to GaAs platforms
- Validation through x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy for structural analysis
Technology readiness level
Currently at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, this technology is in the experimental proof-of-concept stage. Future work includes transferring detector technology onto GaAs/Si and extending the detector's response to 1700 nm, with ongoing validation and performance measurement in controlled settings.
About University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign is a flagship public research university with large‑scale research capacity and a broad academic portfolio. An on‑campus Research Park co‑locates corporate R&D teams and startups with faculty, while the National Center for Supercomputing Applications provides advanced computing and data capabilities for collaboration. Integration with a regional health system and an engineering‑based college of medicine enables clinical translation, and a long‑standing extension network links campus innovation to partners statewide. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, and DoD. A technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startups, complemented by incubators and prototyping in the Research Park.
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