Terahertz detection schemes based on sequential multi-photon absorption

We present modeling and simulation of prototypical multi bound state quantum well infrared photodetectors and show that such a detection design may overcome the problems arising when the operation frequency is pushed down into the far infrared spectral region. In particular, after a simplified analysis on a parabolic-potential design, we propose a fully three-dimensional model based on a finite difference solution of the Boltzmann transport equation for realistic potential profiles. The performances of the proposed simulated devices are encouraging and support the idea that such design strategy may face the well-known dark-current problem.