Monte Carlo analysis of a monolithic interconnected module with a back surface reflector

Abstract

Recently, the photon Monte Carlo code, RACER-X, was modified to include wavelength dependent absorption coefficients and indices of refraction. This work was done in an effort to increase the code’s capabilities to be more applicable to a wider range of problems. These new features make RACER-X useful for analyzing devices like Monolithic Interconnected Modules (MIMs) which have etched surface features and incorporates a back surface reflector (BSR) for spectral control. A series of calculations were performed on various MIM structures to determine the impact that surface features and component reflectivities have on spectral utilization. The traditional concern of “cavity photonics” is replaced with “intra-cell photonics” in the MIM design. Like the cavity photonic problems previously discussed [1], small changes in optical properties and/or geometry can lead to large changes in spectral utilization. The calculations show that seemingly innocuous surface features (e.g., trenches and grid lines) can significantly reduce the spectral utilization due to the non-normal incident photon flux. Photons that enter the device through a trench edge are refracted onto a trajectory where they will not escape. This leads to a reduction in the number of reflected below bandgap photons that return to the radiator and reduce the spectral utilization. In addition, trenches expose a lateral conduction layer in this particular series of calculations which increase the absorption of above bandgap photons in inactive material.