ATLAS simulation of LWIR photodetector based on mercury cadmium telluride

In the present paper the performance of p⁺-n⁰-n⁺ homojunction Hg_1-xCd_xTe (lambda_c = 10.6 mum photodetector has been analyzed theoretically at 77 K. Electrical characterization of the homojunction photodetector has been carried out using ATLAS software of SILVACO^reg and the results are compared and contrasted with the results of our theoretical model. The dependence of the p⁺-n⁰ junction position within homostructure on bandgap energy profiles and the influence of doping concentration on photodetector parameters have been studied. The dark current-voltage characteristics and dynamic resistance versus voltage are simulated and analyzed theoretically. Results of our study reveal that suitable biasing conditions the photodetector exhibits a dark current, I_D ap10^-7 A, and a zero bias resistance, R₀ = 10⁶Omega.