Patent ID: 8253215
Filing Date: 2012-08-28
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A two-terminal mesa phototransistor, comprising: a mesa structure having at least one substantially planar semiconductor surface; a first semiconductor region of a first doping type; a second semiconductor region of a second doping type opposite to the doping type of the first semiconductor region, forming a first semiconductor junction with the first semiconductor region; a third semiconductor region of the first doping type forming a second semiconductor junction with the second semiconductor region; and a substantially planar portion of a dielectric layer in direct physical contact with the first semiconductor region, the first semiconductor junction, the second semiconductor region, the second semiconductor junction, and the third semiconductor region, simultaneously; wherein the second semiconductor region, the first semiconductor junction, and the second semiconductor junction each is in direct physical contact with the substantially planar portion of the dielectric layer at and only at the one substantially planar semiconductor surface; wherein the second semiconductor region, the first semiconductor junction, and the second semiconductor junction is in direct physical contact with the dielectric layer only at the substantially planar portion of the dielectric layer at the one substantially planar semiconductor surface; and wherein the first semiconductor region, the third semiconductor region, and the substantially planar portion of the dielectric layer together completely encapsulate the first semiconductor junction, the second semiconductor region, and the second semiconductor junction.