Impact Ionization Based Multipliers for Optical Receivers

智力优势：该项目涉及一种光学接收器技术的开发，该技术可以提供性能上的巨大飞跃。所使用的研究方法是基于一种称为固态冲击电离倍增器的新型放大装置。该器件采用与雪崩光电二极管相同的增益机制，但具有物理优势，允许低噪声放大，从而提高接收器灵敏度。通过在硅中制造器件并测量增益和频率响应，证明了固态冲击电离倍增器的基本机理。计算机模拟已被用于设计下一代高速设备（2.5 Gbit/s）。本研究计划的前提是可以制造高速固态冲击电离倍增器，并与光电二极管和后置放大器集成，以产生极高灵敏度的光通信接收器。更广泛的影响：上述研究计划具有显著的更广泛的影响。除了推进接收器和设备的科学和技术，这项工作将结合一个强大的教育组成部分，这将利用杨百翰大学与行业合作伙伴之间的合作。研究生将参与器件模拟、制造、封装和测试。本科生的研究也将被整合到项目中，并将特别参与示范模型的创建，这些模型将用于推广计划。这次拓展活动将以杨百翰大学的学术精细化之夏（SOAR）项目为中心。SOAR项目允许数百名未被充分代表的少数族裔高中生在杨百翰大学校园度过几个暑期周，为大学入学做准备，并学习不同的学习项目，包括科学和工程项目。与SOAR学生的研讨会将使用新创建的演示向他们介绍光通信，光电子学以及杨百翰大学正在进行的具体研究背后的原理。

Intellectual Merits: This project involves the development of an optical receiver technology that can provide a dramatic leap in performance. The research approach used is based on a novel amplification device called the Solid-state Impact-ionization Multiplier. This device employs the same gain mechanism found in avalanche photodiodes but has physical advantages that allow for lower-noise amplification and thus improved receiver sensitivity. The basic mechanism of the Solid-state Impact-ionization Multiplier has been demonstrated by fabricating devices in silicon and measuring gain and frequency responses. Computer simulations have been used to design a next generation device capable of high speeds (2.5 Gbit/s). The premise of this proposed research program is that high-speed Solid-state Impact-ionization Multipliers can be fabricated and integrated with photodiodes and post amplifiers to produce extreme sensitivity optical communication receivers. Broader impacts: The research program outlined above has significant broader impact. In addition to advancing receiver and device science and technology, the work will incorporate a strong educational component that will take advantage of the cooperation between BYU and industry partners. Graduate students will participate in device simulation, fabrication, packaging, and testing. Undergraduate research will also be integrated into the project and will specifically be involved in the creation of demonstration models that will be used for an outreach program. This outreach will be centered on BYU's Summer of Academic Refinement (SOAR) program. SOAR allows hundreds of under-represented minority high school students to spend several summer weeks on the BYU campus preparing for college admissions and learning about different programs of study including those in science and engineering. Workshops with SOAR students will use newly created demos to introduce them to the principles behind optical communications, optoelectronics, and the specific research being pursued at BYU.