Band-to-band tunnelling (BTBT) in HgCdTe-based nBn detectors for LWIR applications

Abstract

In this paper we present a theoretical study on the influence of band-to-band-tunnelling (BTBT) in HgCdTe-based nBn detectors for longwave infrared (LWIR) applications. Numerical modelling shows that BTBT strongly depends on the barrier parameters and degrades the detectivity of LWIR nBn detectors. Nevertheless, exploring alternative barrier materials or engineering designs which are able to suppress the BTBT in LWIR nBn detectors is necessary in order to achieve the ultimate performance of HgCdTe nBn detectors for LWIR applications.