Advances in antimonide-based Type-II superlattices for infrared detection and imaging at center for quantum devices

Type-II InAs/GaSb superlattices (T2SLs), a system of multi-interacting quantum wells, was introduced by Nobel Laureate L. Esaki in the 1970s. Since then, this material system has drawn a lot of attention especially for infrared detection. In recent years, T2SL material system has experienced incredible improvements in material quality, device structure designs and device fabrication process which elevated the performances of T2SL-based photo-detectors to a comparable level to the state-of-the-art material systems for infrared detection such as Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT). In this paper, we will present the current status of T2SL-based photo-detectors and focal plane arrays for imaging in different infrared regions, from SWIR to VLWIR, and the future outlook of this material system.

► InAs/GaSb T2SLs are now strong candidates for next generation of IR imagers. ► This material system covers the whole infrared spectrum from SWIR to VLWIR. ► High operating temperature and mega-pixel focal plane arrays have been achieved. ► Growth on alternative substrates has been successfully done. ► State-of-the-art multi-spectral infrared photodetectors and imagers are presented.