Dark Current in Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors

We present the results of a new analytical model for the analysis of the dark current in realistic quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs). This model includes the effect of the space charge formed by electrons captured in QDs and donors, the self-consistent electric potential in the QDIP active region, the activation character of the electron capture and its limitation by the Pauli principle, the thermionic electron emission from QDs and thermionic injection of electrons from the emitter contact into the QDIP active region, and the existence of the punctures between QDs. The developed model yields the dark current as a function of the QDIP structural parameters, applied voltage, and temperature. It explains some features of the dark current characteristics observed experimentally.