High-Temperature Photon-Noise-Limited Performance Terahertz Quantum-Well Photodetectors

In this paper, we propose using a terahertz quantum-well photodetector (THz QWP) in combination with a terahertz source to realize a detection system with photon-noise limited performance (PLIP) at high temperatures. Systematical investigations on the high-temperature performances of THz QWPs, including required signal power density for PLIP, detectivity, and the signal-to-noise ratio, have been carried out by elaborating their dark current mechanism and photocurrent response both experimentally and theoretically. We also present the optimal doping concentration of THz QWPs designed for different peak wavelengths and the resulting optimum performance regarding the above three key parameters. Numerical results show that optimal designed QWP with peak response frequency of 5.5 THz is expected to achieve PLIP at 77 K at signal power density at 819 W/cm(2) and above. This work gives a precise description of PLIP performance of THz QWPs and will open ways for new applications for high-temperature detection in the THz regime.