Ge/SiGe quantum well p-i-n structures for uncooled infrared bolometers

The temperature dependence of current is investigated experimentally for silicon-germanium (Si-Ge) multi-quantum-well p-i-n devices on Si substrates as uncooled bolometer active layers. Temperature coefficient of resistance values as high as-5.8%/K are recorded. This value is considerably higher than that of even commercial bolometer materials in addition to being well above the previous efforts based on CMOS compatible materials.