Infrared Detectors Based on Si/SiGe Superlattices and Silicide/SiGe Schottky Barriers Operating Beyond 12 microns

In this proposal, we describe plans to extend, for the first time, the operation of the detectors based on silicon like materials and technology to 12um and beyond. The materials we propose are the SixGe1-x alloys. Two types of detectors will be investigated: (a)Detectors based on Silicide/SixGe1-x Schottky barriers, and (b)Detectors based on SixGe1-x/Si multiquantum wells. The work will be done in cooperation with Professor J.C. Sturm from the Princeton University and Professor W.F. Kosonocky from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The reliability and the cost effectiveness of SiGe based detectors easisly surpasses the MCT and MWQ III-V detectors, thus making them very attractive for a variety of civilian and military uses. We believe that this proposal adequately addresses the following important issues in the detection of the LWIR radiation: operation beyond 12um, operation at 77oK and above, operation at normal angle of incidence and utilization of reliable and cost effective materials and technologies.