Quantum cascade detectors: A review

Quantum cascade detectors (QCDs) are intersubband devices that are suited for high-performance photodetection of mid-infrared light. In this comprehensive review, the state of the art of this technology is drawn. All aspects of the device physics are discussed: (i) electronic transport with an emphasis on noise, where rigorous metrics to report device performances are proposed and justified, (ii) electromagnetics and the problem of optical coupling using nanophotonics architectures, and (iii) high-speed and integration prospects. A comparison with quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) is made.