A systematic approach to advance quantum dots for high-performance infrared photodetection

We propose to develop a systematic approach to identify and design infrared-absorbing colloidal quantum dots for high-performance infrared imaging. This effort will enable the advancement of compact, lightweight, and low-cost infrared systems that are deployable with dispensable unmanned drones for surveillance in contested environments, vehicles in low-visibility conditions, and soldier-mountable augmented visual systems for advanced situational awareness. Infrared imaging systems today rely on epitaxial semiconductor technologies that are complex to manufacture and require cooling. Consequently, these assets are expensive and difficult to maintain, severely limiting their utility in contested environments. Alternatively, uncooled microbolometer infrared cameras are low-cost and lightweight, making them easier to deploy; however, their sensitivity and detection range are limited. Providing low-cost infrared sensors that are tailor-made for high-performance detection in different use cases across the infrared spectrum is a challenging task, requiring a systematic approach and technology platform to design and develop these sensors. We have identified an empirical method that will yield the relevant semiconductor properties necessary to guide sensor design using colloidal quantum dots as a platform technology for infrared photodetection. In the Phase I, we will develop and evaluate our approach to establish its feasibility to guide the design of infrared colloidal quantum dots from synthesis to sensor. We will then deploy our approach to develop potentially relevant infrared colloidal quantum dots and establish design rules to prepare these materials for high-performance infrared sensors.