Thermoelectric single-photon detection pixel suitable for use in large arrays

Abstract

In this study, we present the results of computer simulations of heat propagation and noise determination in a micron-sized three-layer thermoelectric detection pixel. The investigation included the absorption of single photons with energies ranging from 0.8 to 7.1 eV in absorbers of varying thicknesses to ensure high absorption efficiency. We examined temporal temperature dependencies in various regions of the detection pixel and evaluated the gradient of the average temperature on the sensor boundaries. The analysis also involved determination of the signal power resulting from photon absorption, the equivalent noise power, and the signal-to-noise ratio. The findings demonstrated that a detection pixel equipped with either a W or Mo absorber, a Mo heat sink, with surface dimensions of 1 μm × 1 μm, and nanometer-scale layer thicknesses, can reliably detect single photons with energies ranging from 1.65 eV to 7.1 eV. The advantages of thermoelectric detection pixel are a very simple design and absence of stringent requirements on the operating temperature. These characteristics open up broad prospects for their use in large arrays.