Type-II InAs/GaSb material development for two color focal plane arrays

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 and 10 micron infrared spectral bands for missile defense missions. Type-II InAs/GaSb superlattices 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 Type-II InAs/GaSb superlattices will allow for the realization of improved Two Color FPA performance at a much lower cost, once commercialized. The device design and material growth issues will be address in this Phase I program to demonstrate the viability of Type-II superlattice technology. In Phase II, Two Color FPAs will be delivered.