Long Life, High Performance AR Treatment for Microlensed HgCdTe IRFPAs

ABSTRACT: This Phase II project will increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of an advanced, nano-technology based anti-reflection (AR) treatment being developed by TelAztec under an associated Missile Defense Agency (MDA) sponsored SBIR Phase II project intended to benefit many military critical infrared light imaging sensors. The ultimate objective of this program is to adapt the AR Microstructure (ARMs) technology and fabrication processes for use with the innovative sensor designs offered by the Image Sensor Division of Teledyne Imaging Sensors (TIS), a major commercial supplier of state-of-the-art detector products. In a directly related MDA sponsored Phase II Enhancement program, ARMs technology has been successfully integrated and tested with functional sensors produced by BAE Systems, a second major supplier of infrared imaging detectors. To ensure the supply of high functioning infrared sensors and to promote innovation, multiple detector manufacturers with varying device designs have been supported by the military and have supplied fully qualified detectors. A Phase II project is needed to demonstrate the integration of ARMs technology with TIS microlens-based sensor arrays. It is expected that up to two functional sensor arrays fabricated with the new ARMs treatment will be delivered to the Air Force for further testing. BENEFIT: ARMs technology offers the potential for higher performance detector arrays combined with increased environmental survivability and reduced costs associated with improved fabrication yields. It is anticipated that the increased sensor quantum efficiency over a wider infrared bandwidth afforded by the ARMs treatment will allow for longer range detection of missile threats allowing the warfighter more time to evade. The large format, multiple mega-pixel sensors slated for the next generation Air Force SBIRS HIGH program that is currently referred to as the Overhead Persistent Infrared System, OPIRS, and is the direct output of the AFRL High Stare research program, would realize significant performance and cost advantages through application of the ARMs treatment. The mechanical durability of the ARMs treatment can also lead to reduced replacement costs in airborne sensor systems used in the Predator and GlobalHawk unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the Joint Strike Fighter, and in most helicopter platforms such as the ARMY ARH-70A reconnaissance helicopter.