Electronic-state-controlled reset operation in quantum dot resonant-tunneling single-photon detectors

Abstract

The authors present a systematic study of an introduced reset operation on quantum dot (QD) single photon detectors operating at 77 K. The detectors are based on an AlAs/GaAs/AlAs double-barrier resonant tunneling diode with an adjacent layer of self-assembled InAs QDs. Sensitive single-photon detection in high dI/dV region with suppressed current fluctuations is achieved. The dynamic detection range is extended up to at least 10(4) photons/s for sensitive imaging applications by keeping the device far from saturation by employing an appropriate reset frequency. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.