MWIR /LWIR Detector Standards for Low-Radiometric-Power Calibration in Space Environments

This proposal develops a novel radiometric detector standard capable of traceable measurements of low infrared powers and over a large wavelength range. The technology builds on that currently used by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a radiometric calibration standard. Novel device design enables the proposed detector to achieve traceable measurements down to 1 pW. A detector design will be identified through modeling and simulation to be capable of 1% radiometric calibration (flat response) in the MWIR through LWIR (2 to 20 µm) with a per detector/pixel dynamic range of 1 pW to 50 nW and a 0.1% noise equivalent power. Approaches to adapt the technology to imaging are also explored, including both parallel array type and single pixel configurations. Test devices will be prototyped and characterized to prove the device concept. Cryo-vacuum compatibility and repeatability testing shall be performed to prove viability of the detector technology for use as a calibration standard in test chambers such as the AEDC 7 V and 10 V used by the US Air Force to test IR sensors and projection systems in simulated space environments.