QWIP responsivity prediction using the transfer matrix method

This paper presents a method to predict the responsivity of quantum well infrared photodetectors based in interband and intersubband transitions. The transfer matrix method (TMM) is used in a self consistent loop to calculate initial and final states as well as their respective wavefunctions, allowing the estimation of the absorption coefficient along the entire detection range. The transmission coefficient (tunneling factor) is also computed using the TMM. The spectral response is compared with measurements of AlGaAs/GaAs/InGaAs QWIPs sensitive to NIR, MWIR and LWIR, showing a good match for peak wavelength and a reasonable back-of-the-envelope result for the overall response. The results indicate that the technique has a great potential to be further improved and used in QWIP design.