Solar-blind UVC detectors for efficient plume detection

With the rise of next-generation jets, advanced threat detection has become vital. Missiles, typical aerial threats, emit radiation in the IR, VIS, and UV spectrum based on plume temperature. Most missile plumes peak in the infrared region, leading detection systems to focus on infrared light. However, these systems risk false alarms since the sun also emits in the infrared range. Missile plumes also emit UV light, particularly in the UVC range where the sun has negligible emission. UVC sensors, especially those based on AlGaN as developed by Adroit Materials, promise a revolution in threat detection due to their high sensitivity. Unlike conventional sensors, AlGaN UVC sensors are solar blind, detecting only missile UV signatures. Adroit Materials has made AlGaN detectors available for UVC detection. The aim is to refine these solar-blind UVC detectors for plume detection systems. The initial Phase I emphasizes performance metrics like sensitivity and UV/VIS rejection rate and proposes a prototype to detect UV light from flames, proving AlGaN photodiodes' feasibility for plume detection. A subsequent Phase II suggests enhancing device metrics, ensuring device ruggedness, and developing a TRL 6 prototype system.