High performance dual band LWIR/LWIR Focal Plane Arrays based on Type-II superlattice

Tracking and recognition of fast moving targets require fast, sensitive, uniform focal plane arrays (FPAs). However, high performance single-band FPAs are sometimes unable to discriminate a target from its background when they present similar infrared radiation at a given wavelength. This may occur even if the temperature of the objects is very different. In such a case, two-color FPAs offer an additional wavelength that allows easy identification of the target. Cheaper, higher performance, more robust two-color infrared detectors are highly needed in the 8 & #61549;m and 10 & #61549;m infrared spectral bands for missile defense missions. Type-II InAs/GaSb superlattices (T2SLs) represent the most promising material system for delivering a more affordable and producible FPA, while at the same time exhibiting similar or better performance than current technology. In comparison to the existing state-of-the-art HgCdTe based detectors it is expected that T2SL will allow for the realization of improved two-color FPA performance at a much lower cost, once commercialized. Based on investigation of device design and material growth in Phase I, this Phase II program will develop techniques for processing, cleaning, passivation and hybridization of T2SL two -color FPAs. At the end of program, a high operability two-color FPA will be delivered.