title: Efficient single photon detection by quantum dot resonant tunneling diodes.
abstract: We demonstrate that the resonant tunnel current through a double-barrier structure is sensitive to the capture of single photoexcited holes by an adjacent layer of quantum dots. This phenomenon could allow the detection of single photons with low dark count rates and high quantum efficiencies. The magnitude of the sensing current may be controlled via the thickness of the tunnel barriers. Larger currents give improved signal to noise and allow sub-mus photon time resolution.
authors.affiliation: Toshiba Research Europe Ltd., 260 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0WE, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Blakesley
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: See
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Shields
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Kardynał
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Atkinson
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Farrer
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Ritchie