Near infrared quantum cascade detector in GaN/AlGaN/AlN heterostructures

A quantum cascade detector in the GaN/AlGaN/AlN material system was implemented. The design takes advantage of the large internal field existing in the nitrides in order to generate the essential saw tooth energy level structure. The device operates in the near IR spectral range with a room temperature responsivity at lambda=1.7 mu m of 10 mA/W (1000 V/W) at zero bias. The spectroscopic measurements are in good agreement with simulations. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.