Interfacial Work Functions and Extrinsic Silicon Infrared Photocathodes

Abstract

It is shown that n(+) and /or p(+) contacts on p-i-n diodes can function as solid-state photoemitters at temperatures < or = 20 K. Infrared radiation cam excite electrons or holes over small n-i or p-i interfacial barriers and into the intrinsic region when the diode is forward biased. Photoelectric thresholds in the far infrared corresponding to 37 and 61 micrometer cutoffs have been observed for silicon devices using a Fourier transform spectrometer. Suggestions are made to tailor the cutoff wavelengths using different concentrations of various impurities near the metal-insulator transition. Epitaxially grown multilayered (superlattice) detectors are proposed. Reprints. (AW)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 23, 1989
Accession Number
ADA219748

Entities

People

  • A. G. Perera
  • D. D. Coon
  • R. E. Sherriff
  • R. P. Devaty

Organizations

  • University of Pittsburgh

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Band Gaps
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Electron Tubes
  • Electrons
  • Emission
  • Energy Bands
  • Epitaxial Growth
  • Fermi Levels
  • Infrared Radiation
  • Measurement
  • Metal-Insulator Transitions
  • Radiation
  • Semiconductor Devices
  • Semiconductors
  • Spectra
  • Work Functions

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Semiconductor Device Technology
  • Thin Film Deposition Science.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics