Low-Voltage p-i-n Detector Packaged for Fiber Optics

The design of a low-voltage silicon p-i-n photodetector packaged for fiber optics is described. The chip and package design enable the hermetic interfacing of an optical fiber to the detector package while preserving wide bandwidth and low-noise receiver operation. A low-voltage detector design compatible with conventional planar silicon processing is achieved by employing an epitaxial p-i-n silicon material structure. The unique mlcrolens optical design is low-cost and manufacturable.