Quantum dot infrared photodetector

This paper discusses key issues related to the quantum dot infrared photodetector (QDIP). These are the normal incidence response, the dark current, and the responsivity and detectivity. We attempt to address the following questions of what is QDIP' s potential, what is lacking, and what is needed to make the device interesing for practical applications. It is argued that so for the present QDIP devices have not fully demonstrated the potential advantages. Representative experimental results are compared with characteristics of quantum well infrared photodetectors. Areas that need improvements are pointed out.