Nanostructured diodes for infrared detection through two photons absorption ; Diodes nanostructurées pour la détection infrarouge par absorption à deux photons

My thesis work is focused on infrared photodetection through non-degenerated two photons absorption (NDTPA) in a nanostructured large band-gap diode. This innovative concept is an alternative scheme for infrared detection at high operating temperatures.In a first step I will search for the key parameters of this study. I start by studying, theoretically and experimentally, the competition between two sub-gap absorption processes : the NDTPA, which is a non-linear phenomena of the third order, and the linear sub-bandgap absorption on the semiconductors defects (PASRH). Steered by the intrinsically low absorption efficiency of NDTPA, I studied the amplification of photocurrent generation through the fields concentration induced by a nanostructure.In a second time, I present the computed design, the fabrication inside a clean-room and the characterisation of two generations of nanostructured diodes. The first generation diodes are PIN junctions made of InP whose nanostructured top electrodes are mono-resonant at the signal wavelength (3.39 µm). I checked their electrical and optical properties on a dedicated bench that I designed. Finaly I demonstrate an infrared detection at room temperature through NDTPA with a signal-to-noise ratio above 15. A gain of 24 on the generation of photocurrent is attributed to the nanostructure.After an analysis of this first study, I designed and fabricated a second generation of nanostructured diode which are resonant at both the signal and the pump wavelength. This new design can theoretically achieve a gain around 1500 on the generated photocurrent while keeping the parasite PASRH photocurrent under control.Finally in a last part, I study a new high-quality factor nano-resonator which has been used in the design of the second generations diodes. I present an analytical model as well as their principals properties. ; Mes travaux de thèses portent sur l'étude de la photodetection infrarouge par processus d'absorption à deux photons non-dégénérés (NDTPA) dans des diodes ...