The application fields of InP splits up into three main areas. It is used as the basis for optoelectronic components, high-speed electronics, and photovoltaics
High-speed optoelectronics InP is used as a substrate for
epitaxial optoelectronic devices based other semiconductors, such as
indium gallium arsenide. The devices include
pseudomorphic heterojunction bipolar transistors that could operate at 604 GHz. InP itself has a
direct bandgap, making it useful for
optoelectronics devices like
laser diodes and
photonic integrated circuits for the
optical telecommunications industry, to enable
wavelength-division multiplexing applications. It is used in high-power and high-frequency electronics because of its superior
electron velocity with respect to the more common semiconductors
silicon and
gallium arsenide.
Optical Communications InP is used in lasers, sensitive photodetectors and modulators in the wavelength window typically used for telecommunications, i.e., 1550 nm wavelengths, as it is a direct bandgap III-V compound semiconductor material. The wavelength between about 1510 nm and 1600 nm has the lowest attenuation available on optical fibre (about 0.2 dB/km). Further, O-band and C-band wavelengths supported by InP facilitate
single-mode operation, reducing effects of
intermodal dispersion.
Photovoltaics and optical sensing InP can be used in photonic integrated circuits that can generate, amplify, control and detect laser light. Optical sensing applications of InP include • Air pollution control by real-time detection of gases (CO, CO2, NOX [or NO + NO2], etc.). • Quick verification of traces of toxic substances in gases and liquids, including tap water, or surface contaminations. • Spectroscopy for non-destructive control of product, such as food. Researchers of
Eindhoven University of Technology and MantiSpectra have already demonstrated the application of an integrated near-infrared spectral sensor for milk. In addition, it has been proven that this technology can also be applied to plastics and illicit drugs. ==References==