The uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD) is an innovative PD that has a unique operation mode in which only electrons act as the active carriers, resulting in ultrafast response and high electrical output power at the same time. This paper describes the features of the UTC-PD and its excellent performance. In addition, UTC-PD-based optoelectronic devices integrated with various elements, such as passive and active devices, are presented. These devices are promising for various applications, such as millimeter- and submillimeter-wave generation up to the terahertz range and ultrafast optical signal processing at data rates of up to 320 Gbit/s.

This paper reviews the operation, design, and performance of the uni-traveling-carrier-photodiode (UTC-PD). The UTC-PD is a new type of photodiode that uses only electrons as its active carriers and its prime feature is high current operation. A small signal analysis predicts that a UTC-PD can respond to an optical signal as fast as or faster than a pin-PD. A comparison of measured pulse photoresponse data reveals how the saturation mechanisms of the UTC-PD and pin-PD differ. Applications of InP/InGaAs UTC-PDs as optoelectronic drivers are also presented.