Theory and operation of a GaAs/AlGaAs/InGaAs superlattice phototransistor with controlled avalanche gain

The principle of operation of a bipolar transistor with controlled multiplication of one type of carrier is outlined. The ideal device, with a few periods of a staircase superlattice in the base-collector depletion region, has high current outputs at extremely low bias voltages and high current gains. The principle is experimentally demonstrated in a GaAs/AlGaAs/InGaAs phototransistor where three periods of a periodic pseudomorphic structure, in which electrons should predominantly multiply, are included in the collector depletion region. Independent measurements of the electron and hole avalanche multiplication rates, M_n and M_p, in these structures confirm that M_n/M_p M_n/M_p and α/β are ~2-4, depending on bias voltage. The observed photocurrent characteristics agree reasonably well with Monte Carlo calculations made to simulate the transport of electrons through the collector region. Measured optical gains are as high as 142 in an n-p-n phototransistor with a 2000-Å p-base region