Wavelength dispersion characteristics of  integrated silicon avalanche LEDs: potential applications in futuristic on-chip micro- and nano-biosensors

Timothy A. Okhai; Lukas W. Snyman; Jean-Luc Polleux

doi:10.1117/12.2264200

3 February 2017 Wavelength dispersion characteristics of integrated silicon avalanche LEDs: potential applications in futuristic on-chip micro- and nano-biosensors

Timothy A. Okhai, Lukas W. Snyman, Jean-Luc Polleux

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 10036, Fourth Conference on Sensors, MEMS, and Electro-Optic Systems; 1003604 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2264200
Event: Fourth Conference on Sensors, MEMS and Electro-Optic Systems, 2016, Skukuza, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Abstract

Si Av LEDs are easily integrated in on-chip integrated circuitry. They have high modulation frequencies into the GHz range and can be fabricated to sub-micron dimensions. Due to subsurface light generation in the silicon device itself, and the high refractive index differences between silicon and the device environment, the exiting light radiation has interesting dispersion characteristics. Three junction micro p+-np+ Silicon Avalanche based Light Emitting Devices (Si Av LEDs) have been analyzed in terms of dispersion characteristics, generally resulting in different wavelengths of light (colors) being emitted at different angles and solid angles from the surfaces of these devices. The emission wavelength is in the 450 - 850 nm range. The devices are of micron dimension and operate at 8 - 10V, 1μA - 2mA. The emission spot sizes are about 1 micron square. Emission intensities are up to 500 nW.μm-2. The observed dispersion characteristics range from 0.05 degrees per nm per degree at emission angle of 5 degrees, to 0.15 degrees per nm at emission angles of 30 degrees. It is believed that the dispersion characteristics can find interesting and futuristic on-chip electro-optic applications involving particularly a ranging from on chip micro optical wavelength dispersers, communication de-multiplexers, and novel bio-sensor applications. All of these could penetrate into the nanoscale dimensions.

Citation Download Citation

Timothy A. Okhai, Lukas W. Snyman, and Jean-Luc Polleux "Wavelength dispersion characteristics of integrated silicon avalanche LEDs: potential applications in futuristic on-chip micro- and nano-biosensors", Proc. SPIE 10036, Fourth Conference on Sensors, MEMS, and Electro-Optic Systems, 1003604 (3 February 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2264200

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available