Modeling Internal Heating of Optoelectronic Devices Using COMSOL

N. Brunner[1][,][2]
[1]Voxtel, Inc, Beaverton, OR, USA
[2]University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
Published in 2012

In this paper the heat transfer module in COMSOL is utilized to simulate internal heating of an Avalanche Photodiode due to light-induced current through a resistivity that depends on charge carrier concentrations in the device. Initial tests are done by modeling the heating process on a previously-solved silicon p-n junction as a proof of concept before advancing to a more complicated geometry. Strategies for mapping heterojunction material properties are discussed and estimates for carrier concentrations and current in place of a full carrier model solution are explored. A second model of heat power from current and voltage mapping is presented.