SiGeC Near Infrared Photodetectors

Abstract

A near infrared waveguide photodetector in Si-based ternary Si₁−x−yGexCy alloy was demonstrated for 0.85~1.06 µm wavelength fiber-optic interconnection system applications. Two sets of detectors with active absorption layer compositions of Si₀.₇₉Ge₀.₂C₀.₀₁ and Si₀.₇₀Ge₀.₂₈C₀.₀₂ were designed. The active absorption layer has a thickness of 120~450 nm. The external quantum efficiency can reach ~3% with a cut-off wavelength of around 1.2 µm.