Uncooled Multispectral Image Sensor Based on Nanostructures

This small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop innovative uncooled (high temperature operation) multispectral (a.k.a. broadband) image sensor based on nanostructures for many military and industrial applications such as: interceptor seeker systems, target detection systems, proximity fuzes, LIDARs, non-destructive testing and inspection techniques, monitoring of the chemical quality and process control, remote sensing, and free space communication. Commercially available uncooled IR imaging sensors use microbolometer detectors, which are inherently slow and low sensitivity. A goal in Phase-I program is to carry on research and development of proposed multispectral (~0.9 to 14 ƒÝm in short term and VIS to LWIR in long term) image sensor of single pixel having higher quantum efficiency > 80% over 2 to 11 ƒÝm, and fast response (GHz ranges) for showing its benefits over conventional image sensor. Banpil will demonstrate: (a) modeling and simulation of the proposed image sensor and also nano-scaled image sensor as the risk mitigate, (b) design and fabrication of proposed image sensor, and (c) demonstrate broad spectral ranges from Near IR to LWIR in Phase-I. Recognizing the vast application potential of Banpil¡¦s image sensor, several industrial partners have expressed strong interest in commercializing this technology. In Phase II, Banpil will work with several leading night vision companies who expressed strong interest on proposed multispectral image sensors, as a part of commercialization of the high sensitivity and fast response image sensor technology. BENEFIT: The successful development of the multispectral nanostructured image sensor and its camera will have a direct and significant positive impact to the next generation automobile where this image sensor will enhanced the safety of driver, passenger, and also pedestrian. Besides, imaging system including the proposed image sensor will be also useful to security, biometrics, medical imaging, machine vision, and geo-science instruments. The advantage of this sensor over standard image sensor is that imaging can be possible without any external illumination. The successful development of this significant image sensor technology will not only help to solve the critical need of military, security, medical imaging, and automobile, but also result in significant sales of commercial products to many other markets due to its breakthrough to achieve wider spectral responses using single sensor. Results from this project will be disseminated through publications in journals as well as presentations at trade association conferences. This will promote public awareness and also help Banpil attract customers/investors at a global level.