Nanotechnological Enhancement of Infrared Detectors by Plasmon Resonance in Transparent Conductive Oxide Nanoparticles
Abstract
We investigated the use of plasmonic nanotechnology to enhance the performance of semiconductor infrared detectors. An increase of quantum efficiency, responsivity and specific detectivity is obtained by applying transparent conductive oxide (TCO) nanoparticles onto the surface of a photodetector. To this purpose we considered uncooled mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) photoconductive detectors fabricated by isothermal vapor phase epitaxy, but the same procedure can be applied to cryogenically cooled devices, including those of photovoltaic type. The main mechanism of enhancement is light concentration ensured through localized plasmon resonance at the TCO nanoparticles and through enhanced scattering, while the desired wavelength range is reached by a further redshifting through the adjustment of nanoparticle properties. The improvement can be implemented during the final stages of production of the existing photovoltaic and photoconductive detectors. The method is applicable to vari...ous practical applications, including updating of high-precision guided ammunition.
Keywords:
nanotechnology / homing head / Infrared detectors / plasmonic enhancement / transparent metal oxides / nanoparticlesSource:
Strojniski Vestnik/Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2012, 58, 6, 367-375Publisher:
- Assoc Mechanical Engineers Technicians Slovenia, Ljubljana
Projects:
- Micro- Nanosystems and Sensors for Electric Power and Process Industry and Environmental Protection (RS-32008)
- Cost-effective selection of new technologies and concepts of defense through social reforms and strategic orientations of Serbia in 21. century (RS-47029)
DOI: 10.5545/sv-jme.2011.276
ISSN: 0039-2480