Voltage-tunable, multicolor infrared detectors

U.S. Patent Number: 5384469

Abstract: A tunable radiation detector comprises a superlattice structure having a rality of quantum well units each separated by a first potential barrier and each having at least two doped quantum wells separated by a second potential barrier. The wells each have a lower energy level and a higher energy level. The first potential barriers substantially impede electrons at the lower levels from tunneling therethrough. The second potential barriers permit electrons at the lower levels to tunnel therethrough and prevent energy-level coupling between adjacent ones of the doped quantum wells. A biasing circuit is connected across the semiconductor superlattice structure. A photocurrent sensor is provided for measuring the amount of radiation absorbed by the semiconductor superlattice structure. The superlattice structure is made a part of a hot-electron transistor for providing amplification.

Inventors: Choi; Kwong-Kit (Tinton Falls, NJ)

Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army (Washington, DC)

Application Number: 08/079,793

Issued: 1995-01-24

Expired: 2007-01-24

Classes: 257/21 ; 257/17; 257/184; 257/189; 257/E31.033

Field of search: 257/184,21,17,189

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