Optical immersion of mid-infrared LEDs and photodiodes for gas-sensing applications

Abstract

The high gains in performance predicted for optical immersion are difficult to achieve in practice due to total internal reflection at the lens/detector interface. By reducing the air gap at this interface optical tunneling becomes possible and the predicted gains can be realized in practical devices. Using this technique we have demonstrated large performance gains by optically immersing mid-infrared heterostructure InA1Sb LEDs and photodiodes using hypershperical germanium lenses. The development of an effective method of optical immersion that gives excellent optical coupling has produced a photodiode with a peak room temperature detectivity (D*) of 5.3 x 109 cmHz½W-1 at λpeak=5.4μm and a 40° field of view. A hyperspherically immersed LED showed a f-fold improvement in the external efficiency, and a 3-fold improvement in the directionality compared with a conventional planar LED for f/2 optical systems. The incorporation of these uncooled devices in a White cell produced a NO2 gas sensing system with 2 part-per-million sensitivity, with an LED drive current of <5mA. These results represent a significant advance in the use of solid state devices for portable gas sensing systems.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1117/12.468247
Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > Aston Institute of Photonics Technology (AIPT)
Additional Information: Harvey R. Hardaway ; C. T. Elliot ; Neil T. Gordon and J. G. Crowder. "Optical immersion of mid-infrared LEDs and photodiodes for gas-sensing applications", Proc. SPIE 4947, Laser Diodes, Optoelectronic Devices, and Heterogenous Integration, 52 (March 11, 2003). Copyright 2002 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited. http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.468247
Event Title: Laser Diodes, Optoelectronic Devices, and Heterogenous Integration
Event Type: Other
Event Dates: 2002-10-28
ISBN: 978-0-8194-4742-5
Last Modified: 22 Mar 2024 08:07
Date Deposited: 22 Dec 2014 13:00
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
http://proceedi ... ticleid=1313515 (Publisher URL)
PURE Output Type: Conference contribution
Published Date: 2003-03-11
Authors: Hardaway, H.R.
Elliott, C.T.
Gordon, N.T. (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-1474-9739)
Crowder, J.G.

Download

[img]

Version: Published Version


Export / Share Citation


Statistics

Additional statistics for this record