InP/InGaAs uni-traveling-carrier photodiodes

This paper reviews the operation, design, and performance of the uni-travel ing-carrier-photodiode (UTC-PD). The UTC-PD is a new type of photodiode tha t uses only electrons as its active carriers and its prime feature is high current operation. A small signal analysis predicts that a UTC-PD can respo nd to an optical signal as fast as or faster than a pin-PD. A comparison of measured pulse photoresponse data reveals how the saturation mechanisms of the UTC-PD and pin-PD differ. Applications of InP/InGaAs UTC-PDs as optoel ectronic drivers are also presented.