One order enhancement of detectivity in quaternary capped InAs/GaAs quantum dot infrared photodetectors due to vertical coupling of quantum dot layers

The spectral and electrical properties of vertically coupled quaternary (InAlGaAs) capped InAs/GaAs quantum dot infrared photodetector with different capping thicknesses are investigated, and compared with a conventional quaternary capped uncoupled detector. Electronic coupling between quantum dot layers leads to a reduction in the ground state energy level and hence greater electronic confinement, which reduces the dark current and enhances the detectivity. These expectations are confirmed by our experimental results. Most significantly one order enhancement in peak detectivity (from 1.1 × 109 cm Hz1/2/W to 2.48 × 1010 cm Hz1/2/W) is observed for optimized coupled quantum dot infrared photodetector compared to uncoupled device. The optimal interlayer barrier thickness which gives maximum detectivity is explained in terms of the interplay between electronic coupling and strain buildup in the heterostructure.