IGA-rule 17 for performance estimation of wavelength-extended InGaAs photodetectors: validity and limitations.

A rule of thumb, denoted as IGA-rule 17, has been developed to describe the temperature and cutoff wavelength-dependent dark currents of wavelength-extended InGaAs photodetectors in a 2-3 µm band. The validity and limitations of the rule are discussed. This rule is intended as an index for device developers to evaluate their technologies in processing, a simple tool for device users to estimate reachable performance at various conditions in their design, and an effective bridge between the two.