Block diagram modeling of quantum dot infrared photodetectors

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the performance of quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs). The tools that we are used are the VisSim environment, along with the block diagram programming procedures. The benefits of using this modeling language are the simplicity of carrying out the performance's measurement through computer simulation instead of setting up a practical procedure which becomes expensive, as well as the difficulty of its management. The roles that the parameters of fabrication can play in the characteristics of QDIPs are discussed through developed models implemented by VisSim environment. VisSim can be a powerful supplement to model the Poisson equation. MAPLE software is used to devise this model. The theoretical result confirms that implicit solution of QDIPs governed by dynamic equations provides exact handling of the device performance. As an example, dark current, photocurrent, and detectivity are investigated. In order to confirm our models and their validity on the practical applications, we make a comparison between the results obtained by MAPLE, VisSim, and that experimentally published, and full agreement is observed. The implemented models can help designers and scientists optimize their devices to meet their requirements. (C) 2011 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). [DOI: 10.1117/1.3626209]