An IR Photodetector Using an Optically Cooled Micromirror as a Light Pressure Sensor

TL;DR

This paper proposes a mid-infrared photodetector using an optically cooled microcantilever sensor that leverages radiation pressure, achieving significantly enhanced sensitivity over traditional uncooled detectors.

Contribution

It introduces a novel optically cooled microcantilever sensor for mid-infrared detection, combining low temperature, non-absorption detection, and high-Q microcavities for improved sensitivity.

Findings

Sensitivity potentially an order of magnitude better than conventional detectors

Effective temperature reduced to 10 K enhances detection performance

Application potential in spectrometry for improved measurement accuracy

Abstract

We consider mid-infrared (5 to 25 micrometers), optically cooled detectors based on a microcantilever sensor of the radiation pressure. A significant enhancement of sensitivity is achieved due the combination of low effective temperature (10 K), non-absorption detection, and a high quality optical microcavity. Applications to spectrometry are examined. It is shown that an optically cooled radiation pressure sensor potentially has a sensitivity an order of magnitude better than the best conventional uncooled detectors.