High Speed, Low Noise Nanobolometer for multispectral imaging

Several emerging applications require multispectral LWIR/MWIR imaging with an uncooled (because of weight and power concerns) imager with performance metrics (D* and speed of operation) that is comparable to those provided by cooled HgCdTe photodiodes. Unfortunately, uncooled LWIR/MWIR detectors are based on bolometers, and traditional bolometers are broadband devices that cannot be easily adapted to be spectrally selective. Further, the traditional bolometer trade space precludes the development of high speed and low noise devices. Tanner Research is proposing to leverage recent developments in nanophotonics to circumvent the traditional bolometer trade space. We will use the demonstrated nanobolometer concept, and develop it into a low noise, high-speed multispectral imager in Phase II. In Phase I, we will provide proof of concept demonstrations in single devices that demonstrate the scaleability of our technology.