Ultra-Fast Photodetectors.
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Abstract
In a world needing to transmit data at increasing rates the speed of devices that are part of the system becomes more and more a key parameter. Furthermore the recent developments in terahertz technology and photonics systems highlights the need for an ultra-fast photodetector with a bandwidth well beyond 60 GHz and increased electrical power output capability.The photodetector developed at UCL during the EPSRC PRINCE project demonstrated a -3 dB electrical bandwidth of over 108 GHz, with record breaking power handling. It also achieved record breaking output power by direct electrical connection or from an integrated antenna at frequencies ranging from 100 GHz to 1.5 THz, power outputs ranging from 10 mW at 110 GHz to 25 uW at >900 GHz.This Follow-on programme propose to use this pioneering work and its attached intelectual property, and develop it for commercial exploitation. One of the key parts of this work will be to developed the packaging of the device for two main applications that: high data rate optical communication and continuous wave terahertz signal generation. The potential for commercialization will then be tested by using the packaged devices as prototypes for evaluation by a group of subsystem manufacturers, who are potential customers. The work will also include an investigation of the commercial routes to market and optimum product offerings by using questionnaires and doing a market scoping study with the London Business School.
People |
ORCID iD |
Alwyn Seeds (Principal Investigator) | |
Cyril Renaud (Co-Investigator) |
Publications
Rouvalis E
(2011)
Optoelectronic detection of millimetre-wave signals with travelling-wave uni-travelling carrier photodiodes.
in Optics express
Rouvalis E
(2010)
Traveling-wave Uni-Traveling Carrier photodiodes for continuous wave THz generation.
in Optics express
Rouvalis E
(2012)
Continuous Wave Terahertz Generation From Ultra-Fast InP-Based Photodiodes
in IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques
Stohr A
(2010)
Millimeter-Wave Photonic Components for Broadband Wireless Systems
in IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques
Description | Photodiodes are key components in optical communication systems. We developed a photodiode design delivering record electrical output powers at record frequencies. The design optimises the absorption of light and the high frequency response of the photodiode. |
Exploitation Route | The design approach is used by two major companies to obtain increased output power at modulation frequencies in the millimetre-wave region. It can be used for THz generation also. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Electronics Security and Diplomacy |
URL | http://www.ee.ucl.ac/photonics |
Description | The design approach for these photodiodes has been taken up by two leading companies and used in their products. |
First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Electronics |
Impact Types | Economic |