Optimization of charge collection efficiency in MSM photodetector

The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (December 12, 2006)Includes bibliographical references.Thesis (M.S.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2005.Dissertations, Academic -- University of Missouri--Columbia -- Electrical engineering.The effects of different geometries, heights and concentrations per unit area of gratings in the active region of a metal semiconductor metal photo-detector have been analyzed for enhanced charge collection through electromagnetic field analysis. Plots of the electric field amplitude as it propagates from the constricted grating region to a larger crosssection in the active region have been studied for comparison. This study shows that a hatched top cone shaped grating allows for maximum energy transfer into the active region, thus enhancing collection. The height for this structure is also a minimum over all structures, thus making the hatched cone the optimum design for enhanced collection. The cladding of such structures with SiO2 also appears to contribute to increased energy transfer into the substrate