State of the art of quantum cascade photodetectors

Abstract

The Quantum Cascade Detector (QCD) is a multiple quantum well photodetector working at low bias or zero bias. It has a zero dark current occurring at 0V, together with a high photovoltaic photoresponse, since the QCD does not need any applied field to improve the collection of electrons. QCDs have been tested at various wavelengths, from short wavelengths (1.5 microns) up to THz waves, through the entire infrared spectrum (middle and long wavelengths). Theory of transport in QCD is now well established, and leads to accurate calculations of current and noise in QCDs, with a very good agreement with experimental results. Latest results and state of the art of performances of QCDs are presented.