A Monolithically Integrated Large-format (640x512) Multi-spectral Polarimetric Quantum Dot (QD) Focal Plane Array (FPA)

Polarization sensitive multi-spectral photodetectors and focal plane arrays (FPA) are of great importance in numerous air force applications. Current existing multi-spectral sensing systems employ dispersive optics (gratings or prisms), or external polarizer technologies to obtain spectral and polarimetric information. These systems are heavy, bulky, and unable to detect all polarization components simultaneously. In the SBIR Phase I research, we have developed a new monolithically integrated multi-spectral polarimetric quantum dot photodetector (QDIP) with on-demand waveband selection and simultaneous polarization sensing capabilities. Advantages of the proposed QDIP design including low dark current and high photodetectivity and voltage tunable multispectral infrared detections were demonstrated with very uniform and reproducible performance. Broadband (2-14um) nanowire-grid polarizer was demonstrated with >30dB extinction ratio. Monolithically integrated polarizer with the multi-spectral QDIP was achieved.  Motivated by the feasibility demonstration and great advantages of the proposed multi-spectral polarimetric QDIP, in Phase II, we will develop a large format (640x512) multi-spectral polarimetric QD focal plane array (FPA). Successfully developing the proposed innovation is expected to provide an enabling multi-spectral polarization agile FPA technology for space and airborne and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications. Commercialization of the multi-spectral polarimetric QD FPA will also be performed in Phase II. BENEFIT: The proposed innovation provides an enabling technology for ultra-compact multi-spectral polarimetric FPAs with on-demand waveband selection and simultaneous polarization sensing and imaging capabilities. It forms a key building block for space and airborne target detection, identification and discrimination systems. 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 multispectral polarimetric imaging technologies and greatly accelerate the commercialization of the ultra-compact and portable multi-spectral polarization IR imaging technologies to meet the potential needs of the billion-dollar defense and commercial market.