Synthetic Platform for Device-Agnostic Quantum Dot IR Photodectors

The objective of this Phase I STTR is to identify materials and methods for the development of a highly robust, predictive synthetic model that will be used to manufacture on-demand Colloidal Quantum Dot (CQD) as absorbers for infrared (IR) photodetectors. The goal for the STTR program is to identify materials that will enable uncooled or thermoelectrically cooled, small and low-weight IR sensors and develop the synthetic knowledge base required to produce CQD absorbers with tunable wavelengths to meet the needs of any sensors developed for this spectral region. This model will result in a high Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) for the CQDs such that the produced materials will have predictable and highly reproducible optoelectronic properties. During the Phase I, ideal materials will be selected to enable high performance as absorbers across the IR spectral range. Synthetic processes required for producing these materials will be identified from the literature, as well as any post-synthetic modifications required to achieve optimal performance of the absorbers. Designs of experiment to study tunability and sensitivity will be chosen based on the proposed synthetic routes and will be carried out during Phase II. Additionally, standardized Figures of Merit (FOM) will be developed for quality control of CQD absorbers. Lastly, industry-relevant testing protocols will be proposed to estimate the performance of the optimized CQD absorbers in real-world IR photodetector systems.