Effect of the spin split-off band on optical absorption in p-type Ga1-xInxAsyP1-y quantum-well infrared detectors

Experimental investigations of p-type Ga1-xInxAsyP1-y quantum-well intersubband photodetectors (QWIP's) led to the discovery of unique features in photoresponse spectra of these devices. In particular, the strong 2-5-mu m photoresponse of these QWIP's was not anticipated based on previous experimental and theoretical results for p-type GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs QWIP's. Our theoretical modeling of p-type QWIP's based on the Ga1-xInxAsyP1-y system revealed that the intense short-wavelength photoresponse was due to a much stronger coupling to the spin-orbit split-off components in the continuum than occurs for GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs QWIP's. Due to the strong influence of the spin split-off band, an eight-band Kane Hamiltonian was required to accurately model the measured photoresponse spectra. This theoretical model is first applied to a standard p-type GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As QWIP, and then to a series of GaAs/Ga0.51In0.49P, GaAs/Ga0.62In0.38As0.22P0.78, Gs(0.79)In(0.21)As(0.59)P(0.41)/Ga0.51In0.49P, and Ga0.79In0.21As0.59P0.41/Ga0.62In0.38As0.22P0.78 QWIP's. Through this analysis, the insignificance of spin split-off absorption in GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs QWIP's is verified, as is the dual role of light-hole extended-state and spin split-off hole-extended-state absorption on the spectral shape of Ga1-xInxAsyP1-y QWIP's.