High-Performance Long-Wavelength Graphene/Silicon Schottky Photodetectors for Telecommunication

Purpose and goal:

The digital transformation drives the demand for higher capacity in optical communication networks. The photodetector in the optical transceiver is a vital element in realizing systems meeting performance and cost requirements. This project focused on the development of a new type of detector combining Si and graphene to improve performance while maintaining a low production cost.

Within the project, the technical feasibility of the photodetector was evaluated and a specification of the transceiver product was defined. Expected results and effects:

The new graphene-based photodetector can replace today’s costly solutions based on compound semiconductors, enabling wider deployment of low-loss & high-bandwidth optical networks. The proposed photodetector technology can be used in transceivers for several applications with massive market potential, giving a significant competitive advantage to Swedish telecom equipment manufacturers.

Approach and implementation: The project was organized in three different work packages: Work package 1: Photodetector fabrication Work package 2: Photodetector characterization Work package 3: Product specification