Two-dimensional ensemble Monte Carlo calculation of pulse responsesof submicrometer GaAs metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors

Pulse responses of top-illuminated GaAs metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors (MSM PDs) are evaluated by using a two-dimensional ensemble Monte Carlo technique. Fundamental assumptions and the model used for the evaluation are detailed. Pulsewidths for MSM PDs are presented as functions of the gap length between metal electrodes and the photon energy of optical pulses. It is also shown that reducing the thickness of the absorption region is very effective for shortening the pulsewidth of MSM PDs