Low-cost SWIR sensors: advancing the performance of ROIC-integrated colloidal quantum dot photodiode arrays

RTI has developed a novel photodiode technology based on solution-processed PbS colloidal quantum dots (CQD) capable of providing low-cost, high performance detection across the Vis-SWIR spectral range. The most significant advantages of the CQD technology are ease of fabrication, small pixel size, and extended wavelength range. The devices are fabricated directly onto the ROIC substrate at low temperatures compatible with CMOS, and arrays can be fabricated at wafer scale. We will discuss recent advances in device architecture and processing that result in measured dark currents of 15 nA/cm 2 at room temperature and enhanced SWIR responsivity from the UV to ~1.7 μm, compare these results to InGaAs detectors, and present measurements of the CQD detectors temperature dependent dark current.