Nonlinear Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector

Nonlinear processes in quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIP) are reviewed. Being an intersubband dipole transition based photoconductor, the nonlinear behaviors in QWIPs are caused by both the (extrinsic) photoconductive transport mechanism and (intrinsic) nonlinear optical processes. Extrinsic nonlinearity leads to a degradation of QWIP performance at high incident power or low operating temperatures. Some intrinsic nonlinear QWIP properties are useful in applications, such as in autocorrelation of short pulses by two-photon absorption. The general area of QWIP nonlinear properties has not been extensively investigated. We point out some directions for further studies and hope to stimulate more research activities.