Uncooled Nanoscale Infrared High-Speed Sensors for Missile Seeker Applications

There is a growing need in multi-spectral focal plane array detectors for advanced missile seekers with better target discrimination and identification. Multicolor capabilities, high detectivity, and quick response are highly important for advance infrared sensor systems. However, such photodetectors require cryogenic temperature and are expensive. Less expensive uncooled bolometric detectors have no multicolor capability and are less sensitive. NanoCVD has been selecting the approach in which the incident electromagnetic radiation is detected by nanoantennas, and small nanosensors coupled with antennas transform the electromagnetic energy into useful signals. Because of directional selectivity, cooling such detector is not required. The Phase-I objective is to demonstrate nanoscale device technology through R&D of innovative nanoscale imaging infrared devices, namely, antenna-coupled and/or dielectric rod antenna (DRA) arrays for use in medium and long wavelength infrared staring missile seekers. In Phase-II, NanoCVD will further optimize fabrication process, carry out system design, and fabricate uncooled DRA-coupled infrared detector with high-speed and multicolor capability to test validity of the analysis and predictions made in Phase-I. Successful development of uncooled nanoscale infrared high-speed sensors in accordance with the proposed effort will open up a wide range of applications ranging from missile seeker to driver's night vision enhancement.