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Abstract
A novel quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) is proposed, which provides an unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio compared any other infrared detector. The key feature is the ability to inject light in the absorbing regions in the plane of the detector material layers, rather than surface normal to the detector material layers, as existing detectors do. This invention is expected to enable room-temperature detection of infrared light with high sensitivity and high speed, suitable for applications of infrared absorption spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography, light detection and ranging, and communications.