VLWIR SLS Digital FPA and Camera for Imaging Spectroscopy

QmagiQ and MIT-LL propose to partner to develop a very longwave infrared (VLWIR) digital focal plane array (DFPA) and camera for imaging spectroscopy applications. The DFPA will be based on Type-II InAs/GaSb strained layer superlattice (SLS) photodiodes with>13 micron cutoff, hybridized to a 640x480 digital readout integrated circuit (DROIC). In Phase I , QmagiQ will develop a 13 micron cutoff detector with the goal of high quantum efficiency and a low dark current that drops to acceptable levels on cooling to ~ 45K. Performance will be demonstrated on test devices and on MIT-LL's 256x256 DROIC which permits better-passivated pixels and which can tolerate higher dark currents while yielding good signal-to-noise. MIT-LL will characterize the DFPA. In Phase II, QmagiQ will increase array format to 640x480 and work with MIT-LL to package the DFPA into a compact digital camera that will be delivered to DOD for evaluation. The camera may be particularly useful in an infrared hyperspectral imaging system for the stand-off detection of homemade explosives.