High-speed zero-bias waveguide photodetectors

We describe an InGaAsP waveguide PIN photodetector that (unlike conventional PINs) provides for light absorption perpendicular to current collection, a feature that results in high-speed, high-efficiency and relatively bias-insensitive operation. Our uncoated, packaged device has displayed impulse response of 40 ps (Tektronix S-4 sampling head) and efficiency of 25% at zero bias.