| Missions | The Mid Infrared (MIR) spectrum covers a wide range of frequencies (20-60 THz – 15-5μm), which calls for a wide variety of technologies in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In this context, our team has been developing for several years ultrafast MIR detectors based on IIIV semiconductor heterostructures [1]. Nowadays these detectors have reached 3dB radiofrequency (RF) bandwidths of ~100 GHz, an unsurpassed performance to date. They consist of arrays of quantum-well photo-detectors coupled to plasmonic antennas [2], and their characteristics are well-suited for many applications such as gas/sensing/spectroscopy, coherent imaging, free-space communications, astrophysics or the generation of THz waves by photomixing of MIR lasers [3-6]. The objective of this post-doctoral project is to demonstrate a new generation of photodetectors with increased performance, thanks to the design of new types of antennas, and of new heterostructures with a stronger photoconductive gain by optimizing their quantum design. In particular, in the 8-12μm range, we aim for (i) an increase in responsivity by a factor of 2-3 compared to the state of the art; (ii) an extension of the 3dB RF bandwidth up to 200 GHz; (iii) the design of novel antenna architectures compatible with CMOS readout. |
| Activities | The work can be schematically divided in 2 parts:
Electromagnetic and quantum design of the antennas and of the photo-detectors active region respectively, with the help of available finite element codes. Main goal: obtain a reliable model for the prediction of the electronic transport and for the optimization of the responsivity as a function of temperature and doping density. Electrical and optical characterization of the photodetectors, through |
| Required skills |
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| Context: | The work will take place within the project COMPTERA, funded by the PEPR (Programme et Équipement Prioritaire de Recherche) Electronics, in collaboration with Ecole Normale in Paris and CEA-LETI in Grenoble. The work will be carried out within the THz-Photonics group of IEMN laboratory and the candidate will be asked to supervise a PhD student. The group has a long-lasting experience in the conception, design and demonstration of novel optoelectronic devices ranging from the THz to the MIRTHz-Photonics-Group publicationspublications), and is fully equipped for the MBE growth, fabrication and characterization of the devices realized in this project. |
| Constraints and risks | The candidate is expected to travel for short periods in France and abroad |
Host Unit:
IEMN UMR CNRS 8520
Avenue Poincaré
59652 VILLENEUVE D'ASCQ CEDEX
www.iemn.fr
Start date:
September-December 2023.
Duration:
2 years
Applications should be sent to:
Stefano Barbieri
stefano.barbieri@iemn.fr
Stefano Barbieri - web page
Stefano Barbieri
stefano.barbieri@iemn.fr
Stefano Barbieri - web page
[1] M. Hakl et al, "Ultrafast Quantum-Well Photodetectors Operating at 10 μm with a Flat Frequency Response up to 70 GHz at Room Temperature," ACS Photonics, 2021, doi: 10.1021/acsphotonics.0c01299.
[2] D. Palaferri, et al. "Room-temperature 9-μm wavelength photo- detectors and GHz-frequency heterodyne receivers," Nature 85, 556 (2018)
[3] N. A. Macleod, et al. "Broadband standoff detection of large molecules by mid-infrared active coherent laser spectrometry," Opt. Expr. 23, 912 (2015)
[4] H. Dely et al, "10 Gbit s-1 free space data transmission at 9 μm wavelength with unipolar quantum optoelectronics," Laser Photon. Rev. 16, 2100414 (2022).
[5] D. Maes et al. "High-speed UTC photodiodes on silicon nitride," APL. Photon. 8, 016104 (2022)
[6] D. D.S.Hale, et al. "The Berkeley infrared spatial interferometer: a heterodyne stellar interferometer for the mid-infrared," Astrophys. J. 537, 998 (2000)
