Patent ID: 8298857

Claim:
A method for forming a negative feedback avalanche photodetector comprising: forming a first avalanche photodiode comprising a first doped region having a first perimeter, wherein the first avalanche photodiode is dimensioned and arranged to produce an electrical signal in response to absorption of a photon having a wavelength greater than 1000 nm; and forming a first thin-film resistor having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first thin-film resistor and the first avalanche photodiode are monolithically integrated, and wherein the first thin-film resistor is disposed above the first doped region such that it is located completely within the first perimeter, and wherein the first terminal and the first doped region are electrically connected, and further wherein the first thin-film resistor is formed by operations comprising; forming a first layer on the first avalanche photodiode, wherein the first layer comprises a dielectric material; forming a first opening in the first layer, wherein the first opening is located within the first perimeter; forming a second layer on the first layer, wherein the second layer comprises an electrically conductive material, and wherein the second layer and the first doped region are electrically connected; and patterning the second layer to form the first thin-film resistor.