A Thermal-Electrically Cooled Quantum-Dot Middle-Wave Infrared Photodetector with High Quantum Efficiency and Photodetectivity

Middle-wave infrared (LWIR, 3.2-3.6 ƒÝm) photodetectors with a high specific photodetectivity (D*) are of great importance in NASA¡¦slidar and remote sensing applications. However, existing MWIR photodetectors are required to be operated at low temperature of below 77K to achieve high photodetectivity (D*). The requirement for cryogenic cooling systems adds cost, weight and reliability issues, thereby making it unsuitable for space and planetary exploration applications. The proposed STTR research aims to develop a new type of MWIR photodetector with a significantly enhanced quantum efficiency of ~ 60% and photodetectivity of > 10^10 cm Hz^1/2/W. Successfully developing the proposed innovation is expected to provide an enabling technology for compact high performance MWIR detection and imaging systems suitable for NASA¡¦s space exploration and earth remote sensing applications. In phase I, a preliminary MWIR photodetector with the high specific photodetectivity (D*) will be developed and delivered to NASA for proof-of-concept demonstration. In Phase II, an ultra-compact highly-sensitive focal plane array (FPA) prototype will be developed and hybridized with readout circuits. A preliminary high sensitivity LWIR camera will be also demonstrated and delivered to NASA in Phase II.