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Mm and sub-mm (THz) detectors based on CdHgTe

№38 The Department for Physics and Technology of Low- Dimensional Systems
F.F. Sizov, V. M. Dobrovolsky

Photo of THz detectors and photomicrography one of its elements.

Function. Detectors of mm and sub-mm (THz) spectral regions can be used for security applications, biomedical diagnostics as a special probe for investigation of cell membranes, for the wireless communications and space’s investigations.

Device description. The topology and technological route of uncooled or slightly-cooled mm and sub-mm spectral regions detectors based on hot charge carriers on the cadmium-mercury-tellurium epitaxial layers fabrication were elaborated. Device is based on effect of free carrier gas heating in narrow-gap semiconductors with intrinsic conductivity. Two applications for invention of this device have been applied.

The main technical and operating characteristics:
Size of sensory elements is: ≤ 50x50 mkm2. The measured value of sensitivity was Sv~2.6 V/W (estimated NEP~3.5·10^-10 W/Hz^1/2) at Т=300 К and Sv~1.3∙10³ V/W (estimated NEP~10^-12 W/Hz^1/2) at Т=78 К.