Adaptive multi-mode photodetector and focal plane array

Multi-modal (including spatial, spectral and polarimetric) photodetectors and focal plane arrays (FPA) can dramatically enhance the target detection, tracking and identification capability of a battle field sensing system. Most existing multi-spectral polarimetric sensing systems employ dispersive optics (gratings or prisms), or external polarizer technologies to obtain spectral and polarimetric characteristics of targets. These systems are usually heavy, bulky, and unable to perform on-demand spectral-tuning and waveband selection. Due to the large format (e.g 1Kx1K) FPA and multiple wavebands and polarization states involved in a battle field sensing system, the lack of dynamic detection waveband tuning capability will result in a tremendous amount of unproductive and decision-irrelevant data. This SBIR proposal aims to develop a voltage-tunable multi-spectral polarimetric photodetector and FPA capable of adaptive waveband selection and polarization sensing with significantly reduced device size and enhanced reliability. In phase I, a preliminary adaptive multi-mode photodetector will be developed for proof-of-concept demonstration. In Phase II, an ultra-compact focal plane array (FPA) prototype with voltage-tunable waveband selections and simultaneous polarimetric imaging capability will be developed and hybridized with readout circuits. A preliminary adaptive multi-modal IR camera will be also demonstrated and delivered to Air Force Research Lab in Phase II. BENEFIT: The proposed innovation provides an enabling technology for ultra-compact adaptive multi-modal sensing imaging systems with on-demand waveband and polarization imaging capability. It forms a key building block for space and airborne target detection, identification and discrimination systems. Commercial markets include portable IR sensing and imaging systems for atmospheric pollution and drug monitoring, spectroscopy, and medical diagnostics. The technology developed herein is expected to significantly advance multispectral polarimetric imaging technologies and greatly accelerate the commercialization of the ultra-compact and portable multi-spectral polarization IR imaging technologies to meet the potential needs of the billion-dollar defense and commercial market.