Project Title:

Multiwavelength Infrared Detector Array for Spectral Discrimination

  	  94-1	08.01	1898

  	  Multiwavelength Infrared Detector Array for Spectral 
  Discrimination

Abstract:

A novel multiwavelength detector concept to provide infrared 

spectral discrimination is proposed. Instead of using 
on-chip 
optical elements the detector structure consists of 
vertically 
integrated, discrete detector layers each of which is 
sensitive to 
a different region of the infrared spectrum. The focal plane 
can be 
used to detect the sum total of the infrared radiation or a 
spectral region of interest. InAs/GaInSb superlattices have 
recently been demonstrated to have very desirable detector 
characteristics, especially for long wavelength 
applications, and 
these materials have gained significant interest. Their 
wavelength 
of response extends from 2 to 30 @m by just changing the 
layer 
thickness in the superlattice. A multiwavelength focal plane can 
therefore be realized by stacking a multiple of these lattice-
matched superlattices. The deployment of a single imaging array for 
multi-spectral detection could simplify the overall system 
requirement and realize enhanced performance at considerable cost 
saving. Their compatibility with III-V compound electronics may 
also lead to promising monolithic focal planes. A protoytpe array 
will be produced at the completion of this program for feasibility 
demonstration.

These superlattices covers a wide range of infrared wavelengths 
from near IR to 3011m. The commercial markets for infrared imaging 
equipment are expanding rapidly, including navigation, 
nondestructive testing, medical diagnostics, process control, 
spectroscopy, astronomy and pollution monitoring.

Key Words

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