Smart photodetector and focal plane array with voltage-tunable multi-spectral polarimetric imaging and on-chip signal processing and control capabilit

Multi-modal photodetectors and focal plane arrays (FPA) with adaptive multi-spectral polarization sensing and signal processing functionalities will greatly enhance Air Forces target recognition and discrimination capabilities. Current existing multi-spectral imaging systems employ scanning dispersive optics (gratings or prisms) to obtain spectral and polarimetric characteristics. These systems are heavy, bulky, and slow in response due to the mechanical scanning nature. We have developed two related technologies: (1) voltage-tunable multi-spectral polaricmetric quantum dot infrared photodetctor (QDIP) and FPA, and (2) high-speed (>5.6GHz) flexible electronics that can be fully-printed on any substrate. These technologies allow us to print controlling and processing electronics circuits on the multi-spectral polarimetric FPA. The FPA with on-chip processing electronics would not only greatly enhance the FPAs functionalities (smart FPA), but also substantially reduce the time delay by performing image processing locally. Such smart imaging system would significantly enhance Air forces target recognition and discrimination capabilities especially in highly dynamic scenes. In phase I, we will perform feasibility investigation of the proposed smart QDIP and FPA. A preliminary smart photodetector with adaptive multi-spectral and polarimetrci sensing capabilities will be developed for proof-of-concept demonstration. A large format (1Kx1K) smart FPA prototype will be developed in Phase II. BENEFIT: The proposed innovation provides an enabling technology for smart FPAs with adaptive waveband and simultaneous polarization imaging and on-chip processing capabilities. Such smart FPA technology is expected to greatly enhance the target detection, identification and discrimination capabilities in high dynamic and ultra-low contrast environments. Commercial markets include portable IR sensing and imaging systems for atmospheric pollution and drug monitoring, spectroscopy, and medical diagnoses. The technology developed herein is expected to significantly advance smart multispectral polarimetric imaging technologies and greatly accelerate the commercialization of the ultra-compact and portable multi-spectral polarization IR imaging technologies with advanced functionalities to meet the potential needs of the billion-dollar defense and commercial market.)