InAs/GaSb type-II superlattices for high performance mid-infrared detectors

Abstract The superlattice (SL) design parameters of a 50 period InAs/GaSb SL structure with InSb-like interfaces (IFs) were systematically varied around the 26 A InAs/ 27 A GaSb design in order to explore the parameter space for maximum photoresponse in the 3–5 μ m mid-infrared atmospheric window. Using previously optimized growth conditions, the SL structures were grown on p-type GaSb substrates by molecular beam epitaxy with precisely calibrated growth rates. The electrical properties of the SLs were characterized by magnetic field-dependent Hall effect measurements below the carrier freeze-out temperature of the p-type substrate. Multi-carrier analysis at 4.2 K determined an electron sheet carrier concentration of 8.5 × 10 10 cm - 2 with a mobility of 8200 cm 2 /Vs. Two sets of SLs were used in the optimization process: the first set with a fixed InAs width of 26 A, and the second with a fixed GaSb width of 27 A . As the GaSb layer width varied from 15 to 27 A , the photoresponse cut-off wavelength shifted from 6.47 to 5.24 μ m. Similarly, as the InAs width varied from 26 to 13 A, the cut-off wavelength shifted from 5.08 to 3.05 μ m. The strongest photoresponse in the 3–5 μ m mid-IR window was achieved with the InAs (20 A)/GaSb (27 A) SL design.