Multispectral (Near UV-SWIR) Image Sensor Array

This small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop innovative uncooled multispectral (a.k.a. broadband) image sensor (a.k.a. focal plan array) for numerous applications including military, security, scientific, automobile, and medical imaging. The sensor has the spectral response covering from ~300 nm to 2500 nm and quantum efficiency of > 90% over entire detection ranges. Broad spectral image sensors are required for various ground-based, air-borne, space-borne applications, including remote sensing, surface topography, range detection, and real-time monitoring of biological systems. To date, several sensors covering different spectral ranges are used for this purpose. Next generation imaging systems require single sensor that can detect multiple spectral bands (300 to 2500 nm of wavelengths) and could be used for multiple imaging. Using of single sensor having multifunctional capability can make the system unusually small, light and low-power requirement. Today’s image sensors are designed to work either in visible or in near infrared region. None of those can provide broad spectral response near UV to shortwave infrared (SWIR) (300 nm to 2500 nm). A goal in Phase-I program is to carry on research and development of proposed multispectral (~300 nm to 2500 nm) image sensor of single pixel having higher quantum efficiency > 80% over entire spectral 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 UV to SWIR in Phase-I. Recognizing the vast application potential of Banpil’s image sensors, several industrial partners have expressed strong interest in commercializing this technology. In Phase II, Banpil will work with several leading image sensor companies who expressed strong interest on proposed multispectral image sensors, as a part of commercialization of the image sensor technology.