Epitaxially Passivated, Near-Planar Technology for Strained Layer Superlattice Mid- and Long-wave Focal Plane Arrays

The InAs/InGaSb Strained Layer Superlattice (SLS) system is developing rapidly and is now finally poised to seriously challenge HgCdTe as the dominant technology for mid- and long-wave detection. SLS structures have a number of practical and theoretical advantages over HgCdTe materials, including lower Auger noise, higher operating temperature, better wavelength uniformity, more robust materials, and lower cost. The primary remaining obstacle for competitive high-performance detectors based on SLS is an adequate surface passivation solution that is compatible with processing into focal plane arrays (FPAs). Effective surface passivation will improve quantum efficiency and inhibit noise from surface-related dark current. The proposed project delivers a technologically disruptive approach to the surface passivation issue and involves a radical new design based on already proven physics of the SLS detector structure, including new types of electrical contacts and a new type of surface passivation material. The anticipated result will provide superior performance in a planar technology that facilitates packaging into infrared imagers. Amethyst Research has teamed with the University of Rochester and IntelliEpi to ensure an optimal development and commercialization platform. The success of this project will enable widespread implementation of SLS mid-wave and long-wave infrared FPAs for DoD and commercial applications.