4H-SiC Schottky photodiodes for ultraviolet flame detection

In the last few years silicon carbide (SiC) has emerged as an appropriate material for the detection of very low ultraviolet photon fluxes even at elevated temperatures. In this paper we report on the electro-optical characteristics of large area interdigit Ni2Si/4H-SiC photodiodes in TO metal can package with a suitable molded cap quartz window with high transmission in the ultraviolet wavelength range. The detectors have been tested for the detection of the ultraviolet component of the yellow flame emitted by a small candle, showing good sensitivity for very weak photon fluxes notwithstanding the linear operation condition of the photodiodes. © 2015 IOP Publishing Ltd and Sissa Medialab srl.