LAUSR

In this work, we studied a new theoretical approach to enhance the PbSe-based uncooled photodetector's performance in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelength region. A one-dimensional grating layer was proposed to be implemented and inserted under the PbSe photosensitive layer. Due to the leaky-mode resonance tuning mechanism, this grating layer could manipulate mid-IR light-and-matter interactions in a unique way. It not only prevents the light transmission loss from the backside of the device but also tunes the destructive interference in the reflectance spectra, which consequently maximize the light absorption in the weak-absorbing energy band-tail region. By combining these two capabilities, it is possible to improve detector's sensitivity significantly. With this goal, several grating parameters including grating period, fill factor, and grating thickness were systematically investigated and optimized by using the rigorous coupled wave analysis method. Through the optimization, a 33% broadband absorption enhancement was achieved by using a Si (n = 3.489)/SiO2 grating on a soda-lime glass (n = 1.45) substrate with the listed parameters: grating period = 2.4 μm, fill factor = 0.49, and thickness = 1.22 μm. Apparently, this simple and effective method could practically advance the uncooled mid-IR PbSe detector's performance. But more importantly, this photonic-design concept can be used in and impact many other light-matter interaction related research fields.In this work, we studied a new theoretical approach to enhance the PbSe-based uncooled photodetector's performance in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelength region. A one-dimensional grating layer was proposed to be implemented and inserted under the PbSe photosensitive layer. Due to the leaky-mode resonance tuning mechanism, this grating layer could manipulate mid-IR light-and-matter interactions in a unique way. It not only prevents the light transmission loss from the backside of the device but also tunes the destructive interference in the reflectance spectra, which consequently maximize the light absorption in the weak-absorbing energy band-tail region. By combining these two capabilities, it is possible to improve detector's sensitivity significantly. With this goal, several grating parameters including grating period, fill factor, and grating thickness were systematically investigated and optimized by using the rigorous coupled wave analysis method. Through the optimization, a 33% broadband absorptio...