Radial Disk Photodetector Layout for High-Bandwidth Responsivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical transceivers face challenges in supporting higher bandwidths due to the need for low-footprint, high responsivity integrated photodetectors at the receiver end while maintaining high bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A photodetector design featuring a semiconductor disk with a doped region and absorption regions positioned along the inner circumference, where the optical signal travels, allowing for efficient absorption and conversion of optical signals into electric signals, thereby supporting higher bandwidths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the photodetector uses a conventional design, then the structure is simple, but the bandwidth is limited and responsivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The photodetector is segmented into multiple functional regions: a semiconductor disk with a doped region extending across the center, and multiple absorption regions positioned along the inner circumference. This segmentation allows different parts to perform specialized functions (signal absorption, charge separation, current collection) simultaneously, enabling higher bandwidth operation while maintaining a relatively compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional planar photodetector designs to a three-dimensional radial structure where the doped region extends vertically through the center of the disk and absorption regions are positioned circumferentially. This dimensional change enables multiple absorption paths for optical signals, increasing the effective absorption area and bandwidth without proportionally increasing the footprint.
2Area of stationary object
If the photodetector size is reduced for low footprint, then integration is improved, but responsivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning absorption regions with specific doping types at strategic locations along the inner circumference of the semiconductor disk, while the doped region extends through the center with its own doping characteristics. This localized optimization of material properties in different spatial zones maximizes light absorption efficiency and charge carrier generation within the compact footprint, maintaining high responsivity despite the reduced overall device area.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enables optical transceivers to support higher bandwidths by effectively absorbing optical signals as they travel along the inner circumference of the photodetector, enhancing data transmission capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The first absorption region is arranged to absorb an optical signal as the optical signal travels along an inner circumference of the semiconductor disk
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector at the receiver end that converts an optical signal into an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
A photodetector and method of making a photodetector are disclosed. An apparatus includes a semiconductor disk, a first doped region, and a first absorption region. The first doped region is disposed within the semiconductor disk such that the first doped region extends across a center of the semiconductor disk. The first doped region has a first doping type. The first absorption region is disposed on the first doped region such that a portion of the first doped region is positioned between the center of the semiconductor disk and the first absorption region along a radius of the semiconductor disk. The first absorption region includes a second doped region with a second doping type different from the first doping type. The first absorption region is arranged to absorb an optical signal as the optical signal travels along an inner circumference of the semiconductor disk.