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Light Detectors

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Optical Properties of Semiconductors

Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((NSSE,volume 228))

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Abstract

In this paper, we review the main classes of light detectors. The most important modes of light absorption are identified, and the corresponding detectors families are described: first, the photocathode which is based on the photoemissive effect and the main use of which being the photomultipliers. Then, within the family of the interband absorption detectors, principally characterized by their quantum efficiency, their detectivity, the signal-to-noise ratio and the bandwidth, pin photodiodes and avalanche photodiodes are presented. A special emphasis has been put on new quantum devices as effective mass filters and superlattice avalanche photodiodes. Finally, new superlattice far infrared detectors using intersubband absorption and waveguide integrated with diode (using evanescent field absorption process) are reviewed. At last, the fabrication of such devices is explained.

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  1. Laboratoire d’Electronique Philips, 23, av. Descartes, BP15, 94453, Limeil-Brevannes, France

    J. N. Patillon

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  1. Grenoble High Magnetic Field Laboratory, MPI-CNRS, Grenoble, France

    G. Martinez

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Patillon, J.N. (1993). Light Detectors. In: Martinez, G. (eds) Optical Properties of Semiconductors. NATO ASI Series, vol 228. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-8075-5_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-8075-5_9

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