Theory

Abstract

After the collection of the most important optical and optoelectronic definitions in the last chapter, we will now summarize the fundamentals of device physics and modeling of solid-state electron devices including photodetectors in a compact form. For a detailed description of the principles of photodetectors, the book [1] is recommended. A detailed review on modeling of solid-state electron devices can be found in [4]. Here, the semiconductor equations with implemented photogeneration and the models for carrier mobility used in device simulators will be listed first. Carrier drift and diffusion as well as their consequences for the speed and the quantum efficiency of photodetectors will be explained. Furthermore, the equivalent circuit of a photodiode will be discussed in order to show further aspects concerning the speed of photoreceivers.