Effects of high space-charge fields on the response of microwave photodetectors

We present simulation results, based on a one-dimensional p-i-n photodetector model, to explain the reductions in photodetector response observed at high optical powers. The nonlinear effects are attributed to the redistribution of the internal electric field due to space-charge effects created by the photocarriers. The corresponding modification of the position-dependent charge velocities results in high-frequency response reduction, roll-off reduction, and pulse narrowing. Electric field redistribution leads to two dimensional effects, which must be included for accurate modeling of milliampere photocurrents.<>