We have studied the electromagnetic response of micro-structured surfaces realized with pillar arrays intended to provide a broadband (0.5–5.0 μm) absorption enhancement for HgCdTe photovoltaic detector arrays. We have considered both square and hexagonal lattice pillar configurations. Using a finite-difference time-domain approach we have found that the absorption enhancement is weakly dependent on the pillar lattice type, but the lattice period does have a significant impact on the enhancement. The use of these micro-structured surfaces makes it possible to eliminate the need for anti-reflection coatings on the detector back-side while maintaining negligible reflectance over a broad spectral band.
We have investigated the combined electromagnetic and electrical response of HgCdTe-based pixel detector arrays with different geometries. We have computed the propagation of the optical signal in the detector structure by solving Maxwell's curl equations using a finite-difference time-domain approach. From the field distribution inside the device, we have evaluated the optical carrier generation rate. Using this information in a three-dimensional (3D) numerical model based on a drift-diffusion approach, we have computed the quantum efficiency and photoresponse of a number of pixel geometries. Specifically, we have analyzed the response of both mesa-type and planar detector arrays with and without CdZnTe substrate. Furthermore, the electromagnetic response has also been evaluated for different metal contact dimensions and configurations. It is found that, for mesa-type arrays without the substrate, significant reflection effects take place in the device that lead to resonance peaks in the photoresponse.
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