1.3 Micron Photodetectors Enabled by the SPARK Effect

TL;DR

This paper introduces a graphene-based photodetector that works at 1310 nm using the SPARK effect, offering insights into its performance and potential for photonic circuits.

Contribution

The paper demonstrates the SPARK effect at 1310 nm for the first time and provides a detailed analysis of its efficiency and response.

Findings

The photodetector achieves a peak responsivity of 0.3 A/W at 1310 nm.

The noise-equivalent power is measured at 0.4 pW/Hz1/2.

Reduced optical power increases responsivity, making it suitable for power monitoring.

Abstract

In this work, we present a graphene-based photodetector operating at a wavelength of 1310 nm. The device leverages the SPARK effect, which has previously been investigated only at 1550 nm. It features a hybrid waveguide structure comprising hydrogenated amorphous silicon, graphene, and crystalline silicon. Upon optical illumination, defect states release charge carriers into the graphene layer, modulating the thermionic current across the graphene/crystalline silicon Schottky junction. The photodetector demonstrates a peak responsivity of 0.3 A/W at 1310 nm, corresponding to a noise-equivalent power of 0.4 pW/Hz1/2. The experimental results provide deeper insights into the SPARK effect by enabling the determination of the efficiency × lifetime product of carriers at 1310 nm and its comparison with values previously reported at 1550 nm. The wavelength dependence of this product is analyzed and discussed. Additionally, the response times of the device are measured and evaluated. The silicon-based fabrication approach employed is versatile and does not rely on sub-micron lithography techniques. Notably, reducing the incident optical power enhances the responsivity, making this photodetector highly suitable for power monitoring applications in integrated photonic circuits.

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