platinum silicide (ptsi)

**Platinum Silicide (PtSi)** is a **silicide primarily used in infrared detectors and Schottky diode applications** — valued for its specific Schottky barrier height on silicon, which makes it ideal for IR photodetection in the 3-5 $mu m$ wavelength band. **What Is PtSi?** - **Resistivity**: ~28-35 $muOmega$·cm. - **Schottky Barrier Height**: ~0.87 eV on n-Si (high barrier, good rectification). ~0.2 eV on p-Si. - **Formation**: Pt reacts with Si at ~300-400°C. Very clean, well-controlled interface. - **Cost**: Platinum is expensive, limiting its use to specialized applications. **Why It Matters** - **IR Detectors**: PtSi Schottky barrier detectors were the standard for military MWIR (Mid-Wave Infrared) focal plane arrays for decades. - **Schottky Diodes**: Used in power and RF applications requiring fast, low-capacitance switches. - **Niche**: Not used in mainstream CMOS due to cost, but important in defense and sensor applications. **PtSi** is **the infrared eye of defense technology** — a specialized silicide valued not for its resistivity but for its unique ability to detect thermal radiation.