Theoretical Design of an Indium Antimonide Photoparametric Detector-Amplifier.
Abstract:
The thesis discusses the feasibility of operating a photovoltaic junction photodiode IR 3- to 6-micron detector with internal parametric amplification. The detector and integral parametric amplifier, called a photoparamp, offers the possibility of combining the high sensitivity of modern detectors with the very low noise characteristics of parametric amplifiers. The particular device selected for illustration is the indium antimonide photovoltaic detector. This detector is selected for its high sensitivity D, electrical characteristics applicable to parametric amplification, and high degree of usage in modern infrared technology. Advantages and disadvantages of photoparamp operation are explored in considerable detail. Characteristics of the detector and the required operating conditions of the parametric amplifier are developed. Noise characteristics for both the paramp and the detector are discussed, with emphasis on the interrelationships and effects of parametric operation on the detection characteristics. Author