Enhanced signal-to-noise in photodetectors due to interface phonon-assisted transitions

Abstract

Herein, we consider examine the possibility of photodetectors with reduced signal-to-noise based on a three quantum well structure with one single well and one double well. This structure facilitates photon detection through the following sequence of events: photon absorption, phonon emission, and then photon absorb of a photon having the same wavelength as the first one. Even though this design two photons a phonon-assisted transition, it is demonstrated that greatly enhance signal-to-noise is obtained.