A Monolithically Integrated Multi-spectral Polarimetric Photodetector and focal plane array

Polarization sensitive multi-spectral photodetectors are of great importance in target detection, characterization and discrimination. Most current existing multi-spectral sensing systems employ dispersive optics (gratings or prisms), or external polarizer technologies to obtain spectral and polarimetric characteristics of targets. These systems are usually heavy, bulky, having arrow incident angles, and unable to simultaneously detecting polarizations at different angles. The SBIR proposal aims to develop a new type of monolithically integrated polarimetric photodetector capable of voltage-tunable waveband selection and simultaneous polarization sensing with significantly reduced device size and enhanced reliability. Successfully developing the proposed innovation is expected to provide an enabling technology for ultra-compact, waveband and polarization agile imaging systems suitable for space and airborne applications. In phase I, a preliminary monolithically integrated polarimetric photodetector with wide-spectral coverage (2-14 micro-meter), high polarization extinction ratio, and voltage-tunabl waveband selection will be developed for proof-of-concept demonstration. In Phase II, an ultra-compact focal plane array (FPA) prototype with voltage-tunable waveband selection and simultaneous polarimetric imaging capability will be developed and hybridized with readout circuits. A preliminary voltage-tunable multi-spectral polarimetric IR camera will be also demonstrated and delivered to Air Force research lab in Phase II.