Terahertz quantum-well photodetectors

Terahertz (1-10 THz) quantum-well infrared photodetectors (QWIP) have been investigated. The design and projected performance are presented together with experimental results on a 7-THz peaked GaAs/AlGaAs QWIP, working at photon energies below the optical phonons. We point out the problem with this initial device, discuss possible causes and suggest areas of improvement and further work.