SiGe Microwave Phototransistors for Microwave-Photonics Applications

This paper gives an overview on the development of microwave phototransistors within SiGe Bipolar and BiCMOS technologies. The physics and design of SiGe/Si Heterojunction Bipolar Phototransistors (HPT) are covered. A comprehensive analysis of the photodetection mechanisms and its localization into the structure is provided. After a description of the scaling rules, applications are presented in the field of Microwave-Photonics for short range and low-cost applications. Perspectives are then highlighted that includes the frequency increase, the enlargement of functionality and even on-chip optical links.