Cryogenic probe station for research on mid-wave and long-wave infrared group IV materials and devices on silicon
Abstract
This proposal requests funds for the acquisition of a probe station that can be used to study semiconductor materials and devices that absorb and emit light in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectral regions. The probe station will allow for a variety of electrical measurements to characterize the semiconductor electrical transport properties. For optical characterizations of the same samples, monochromatic infrared light from an illumination subsystem or from external lasers will be fed into the probe station via optical fibers. The illumination subsystem will also be equipped with an infrared detector for the spectral analysis of the light emitted by the samples. The equipment will support two ongoing programs funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Both programs involve studies of materials and devices in the Si-Ge-Sn system. These Sn-containing alloys represent the only Group-IV system that can achieve direct gap conditions and is chemically compatible with silicon substrates, allowing for an integration between the logical functionalities of silicon-based microelectronics and optoelectronic capabilities that are typical of III-V semiconductors. This integration would enable revolutionary technological advances by drastically lowering the cost of applications that currently require the device components to be built separately on costly substrates and be connected to the Si-based readout circuitry using heterogeneous schemes (e.g. indium bumps). The first program is devoted to the synthesis and characterization of high-Sn alloys and associated devices with band gaps covering MWIR and LWIR. The second program aims to monolithically integrate the above MWIR alloys with Si-based readout integrated circuits (ROICs). The requested equipment will allow the investigators to extend their research capabilities in two critical dimensions - wavelength and temperature. Furthermore, by eliminating the need to make electrical contacts, the probe station dramatically accelerates the study of materials and devices. The instrumentation will provide unique opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student education at the interface of chemistry, physics, and materials science.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 06, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310554
Entities
People
- Jose Menendez
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Arizona State University
- United States Air Force