Non-equilibrium modes of operation for infrared detectors

Abstract New modes of operation for semiconductor infrared detectors are proposed which will enable operation in the middle and far infrared with much reduced cooling requirements. The phenomena of minority carrier exclusion and minority carrier extraction are utilised to hold the carrier densities in narrow-gap semiconductors close to their extrinsic values, at temperatures where they are normally intrinsic. Experimental results showing improved responsivity and detectivity from middle waveband devices operating at near ambient temperature confirm the principle of this new approach.