Uncooled Nanoscale Infrared High-Speed Sensors for Missile Seeker Applications

There is a growing need for multi-spectral infrared detectors for advanced missile seekers with better target discrimination and identification. Multicolor capabilities, high detectivity, and quick response are highly important for advanced infrared sensor systems. Photodiodes made of narrow-band semiconductors are widely used in such applications. However, the photodiodes require cryogenic temperatures and are expensive. Less expensive uncooled bolometric detectors are less sensitive, slower, and have no multicolor capability. Based upon the detailed analysis and findings of Phase I, NanoCVD proposes developing uncooled high-speed detectors consisting of a microstrip-patch-antenna or dielectric-rod-antenna in conjunction with a nanoscale metal-insulator-metal tunnel diode (MIMTD), which can be efficiently used in LWIR and VLWIR staring missile seekers and commercial applications. In these assemblies, a microantenna amplifies the incident electromagnetic radiation, and the induced IR frequency voltage is rectified by the MIMTD generating a useful signal. NanoCVD has a strong capability to complete successfully the proposed project by combining efforts of both academic researchers and engineers having expertise in both ultrahigh frequency RF applications and nanotechnology. Successful development of uncooled nanoscale infrared high-speed sensors, in accordance with the proposed effort, will open up a variety of applications ranging from missile seeker to driver's night vision enhancement.