High-Speed and High-Output InP–InGaAs Unitraveling-Carrier Photodiodes

TLDR

The UTC‑PD is a novel photodiode that uses only electrons as active carriers. Its electron‑only design enables simultaneous high‑speed and high‑output performance, and practical modules such as coaxial, waveguide, and quasi‑optic outputs have been developed. UTC‑PDs achieve a record 310‑GHz 3‑dB bandwidth and >20 mW output at 100 GHz, enabling high‑bit‑rate photoreceivers up to 160 Gb/s, error‑free demultiplexing at 320 Gb/s, 10‑Gb/s millimeter‑wave links at 120 GHz, sub‑THz generation up to 1.5 THz, and photonic frequency conversion with –8 dB efficiency at 60 GHz, while demonstrating reliable, stable performance.

Abstract

The unitraveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD) is a novel photodiode that utilizes only electrons as the active carriers. This unique feature is the key for its ability to achieve excellent high-speed and high-output characteristics simultaneously. To date, a record 3-dB bandwidth of 310 GHz and a millimeter-wave output power of over 20 mW at 100 GHz have been achieved. The superior capability of the UTC-PD for generating very large high-bit-rate electrical signals as well as a very high RF output power in millimeter/submillimeter ranges can lead to innovations in various systems, such as broadband optical communications systems, wireless communications systems, and high-frequency measurement systems. Accomplishments include photoreceivers of up to 160 Gb/s, error-free DEMUX operations using an integrated UTC-PD driven optical gate of up to 320 Gb/s, a 10-Gb/s millimeter-wave wireless link at 120 GHz, submillimeter-wave generation at frequencies of up to 1.5 THz, and photonic frequency conversion with an efficiency of -8 dB at 60 GHz. For the practical use, various types of modules, such as a 1-mm coaxial connector module, a rectangular-waveguide output module, and a quasi-optic module, have been developed. The superior reliability and stability are also confirmed demonstrating usefulness of the UTC-PD for the system applications.