27-28 August 2025
Suwon
15:05 – 15:25
Si Schottky Photodiodes: New Horizons for Short Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) Sensing
Photodiodes for the short wavelength infrared range enable enhanced vision and imaging in terms of distance, ruggedness against atmospheric disturbance, and chemical analysis compared to the visible. The penetration of these sensor, which today are mainly used in defense and machine vision applications, into other market segments such as automotive, consumer, and biomedical, are hampered by economic and technical limitations of the established technologies (scalability, complexity, spectral range). The concept of Si Schottky photodiodes for infrared detection was actively pursued in the 1980s and 1990s and recently resumed to tackle today’s challenges.
Fraunhofer IPMS will give insights into its silicon-based Schottky photodiode technology. We will also discuss the impact of device structure on the performance and its unique features as a compelling alternative for opening up new horizons on the SWIR roadmap. This talk is aimed at researchers, engineers, and decision-makers interested in exploring new alternatives to conventional photodiodes and seeking a reliable development partner to support their innovation efforts in SWIR applications.
Dr. Sandro Koch
Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems
Dr. Sandro Koch completed his physics studies at the Dresden and received his PhD in applied physics in 2015. He then joint Fraunhofer IPMS as a research scientist and held several research management positions focusing on MEMS-based acoustic and photonic sensors. Currently, Sandro Koch is working as business unit manager “Acoustic Sensors and Systems” on the development of MEMS modules in the audible and ultrasonic range and their transfer to industry.
Company Profile
Fraunhofer IPMS is a leading international research and development service provider for electronic and photonic microsystems in the application fields of Smart Industrial Solutions, Bio and Health, Mobility as well as Green and Sustainable Microelectronics. Research focuses on customer-specific miniaturized sensors and actuators, MEMS systems, microdisplays and integrated circuits as well as wireless and wired data communication, neuromorphic and quantum computing. Services range from consulting and design to process development and pilot series production.
The Fraunhofer IPMS is one of 75 institutes of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the leading organization for applied research in Europe. With nearly 32,000 employees Fraunhofer operates with an annual budget of €3.6 billion, €3.1 billion of which is generated by contract research — Fraunhofer’s core business model.
Company Products & Services
The range of services includes wafer processing, characterization & testing, assembly and interconnection technology and the organization of external and supplier services. At the Center Nanoelectronic Technologies (CNT), Fraunhofer IPMS offers applied research, process and material development on 300 mm wafers for microchip producers, suppliers, device manufacturers and R&D partners. 4000 m² of clean room space is available for processing customer orders as well as laboratory space for over 80 processing and analytical tools.