Wavelength tuning of surface plasmon coupled quantum well infrared photodetectors

A novel method of detection wavelength tuning for surface plasmon coupled quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) was demonstrated. By changing of the thickness of the top contact layer, the detection wavelength can be adjusted. The displacement of the detection wavelength is related to the effective dielectric constant of the dielectric layers in the device structure. The peak wavelength moves toward longer wavelength as the contact layer thickness decreases. With a proper match of the 2D metal hole array and the QW absorption region, the responsivity can be kept within a reasonable range for samples with different top contact layer thicknesses.