Title :
Demonstration of enhanced performance of HBT as photodetector
Author :
De Barros, L. E M, Jr. ; Herczfeld, P.R. ; Madjar, A. ; Betser, Yoram ; Ritter, D.
Author_Institution :
Center for Microwave/Lightwave Engineering - Drexel University, 32nd & Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Abstract :
A new HBT design (optical-HBT), intended for photonic applications is proposed and implemented. The new device provides a window over the base mesa facilitating optical coupling maintaining high frequency performance. Theoretical and experimental results are compared to conventional microwave HBTs and to a commercially available high-speed PIN diode. Compared to the conventional microwave HBTs, the new design more than triple the BC-junction efficiency as well as increases the sensitivity. Compared to a 60% efficient PIN diode the optical HBT shows 8dB gain at low frequencies with a crossover point at 5.2Ghz. Optimization steps are discussed which project a photoresponsewith a 3dB bandwidth in excess of 35GHz and 6dB gain over the PIN diode.
Keywords :
Bandwidth; Electrodes; Frequency; Heterojunction bipolar transistors; Lighting; Microwave devices; Optical design; Optical receivers; Optical sensors; Photodetectors;
Conference_Titel :
Microwave Conference, 1997. 27th European
Conference_Location :
Jerusalem, Israel
DOI :
10.1109/EUMA.1997.337968
