We propose a novel infrared focal plane array (IRFPA) based on quantum dots in the channel of a gated high-electron-mobility-transistor (HEMT). This 3-terminal device, that we call a QHEMT, will exploit a lateral (source to drain) photocurrent generated by intersubband absorption of infrared… More

We will demonstrate a dramatic 3x to 5x increase (over the state of the art) in the external quantum efficiency (QE) of longwave infrared (LWIR) focal plane arrays (FPAs) fabricated from quantum well infrared photodetectors. We will develop AND DELIVER a 320x256 LWIR FPA with this improved… More

In Phase 1 of this SBIR program, we developed and delivered a small-format 320x256 dual-band infrared focal plane array (IRFPA) with pixel-registered and simultaneous imaging in the midwave and longwave infrared (MWIR/LWIR) spectral bands. In Phase 2, we will build on this and accomplish two major… More

We propose epitaxial InSb grown on large metamorphic GaAs substrates as a platform to enable large affordable mid-infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs). In Phase 1, we will design and grow a number of metamorphic buffers to accommodate the lattice mismatch between InSb and GaAs. Their quality will be… More

We propose to develop sensitive passive infrared sensors for ballistic missile defense applications from Type-II InAs/GaSb strained layer superlattices (SLS). The novelty of our approach lies in using a P-on-N photodiode device geometry (in contrast to the usual N-on-P) to leverage the excellent… More

We propose to develop high-sensitivity longwave (cutoff ~ 10-12 microns) infrared sensors for space situational awareness applications from Type-II InAs/GaSb strained layer superlattices (SLS). One novelty of our approach lies in using a P-on-N photodiode design (in contrast to the usual N-on-P) to… More

We propose to develop a compact handheld longwave infrared camera based on quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) focal plane array (FPA) technology. Based on the photoexcitation of electrons out of quantum wells of GaAs sandwiched between AlGaAs barriers, QWIP FPAs have emerged as a promising… More

MDA is considering several technologies to upgrade the THAAD sensor. QWIP (Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector) technology is one option being considered. While QWIP has clear advantages (e.g. large formats, high pixel operability, excellent uniformity and image stability, low cost, and proven… More

We propose epitaxial InSb grown on large metamorphic GaAs substrates as a platform to enable large affordable midwave infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs). In Phase 1, we developed buffers to accommodate the InSb/GaAs lattice mismatch and quantified their effectiveness by fabricating hybrid chips of… More

We will develop very long wave infrared focal plane arrays (VLWIR FPAs) from Type-II Strained Layer Superlattices (SLS) for ballistic missile defense applications, by combining QmagiQ's skills in FPA design, fabrication and test, with the University of New Mexico's expertise in the MBE growth and… More

We propose to embed quantum dots in resonant optical cavities to sharpen their spectral respone and provide a mechanism to spatially vary it across an infrared detector array. This project will combine the self-assembled-quantum-dot epitaxy expertise of Professor Towe's group at Carnegie Mellon… More

Missile seekers would benefit from a focal plane array (FPA) that allowed high-speed single or multiple-windowing acquisition of the target or targets while maintaining situational awareness of the rest of the field of view. Such data reduction helps where bandwidth is limited, e.g. arrays with… More

We propose to develop a high-performance longwave infrared focal plane array (FPA) based on Type-II InAs/(In)GaSb strained-layer-superlattice (SLS) technology and deliver it packaged in a portable handheld CAMERA. In Phase 1, a matrix of recipes was designed and grown, several wafers were… More

We propose to develop a 2Kx2K 2-Color focal plane array (FPA) that provides pixel-registered and simultaneous imaging in two MIDWAVE infrared spectral bands. We will use a novel bandgap-engineered sensor that minimizes spectral crosstalk between the two midwave bands better than current sensor… More

We propose to develop a SPECTRALLY-TUNABLE INFRARED CAMERA based on quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) focal plane array (FPA) technology. This will build on the handheld QWIP camera we DELIVERED to NASA in Phase 1 which featured a 320x256 QWIP FPA with fixed spectral response, as proof of… More

We propose to develop a compact portable longwave camera for astronomical applications. In Phase 1, we will develop and deliver the focal plane array (FPA) - a crucial camera component. In Phase 2, we will integrate the FPA with electronics and optics into a compact package and deliver the… More

QmagiQ and the University of New Mexico (UNM) propose to combine their respective strengths in focal plane array (FPA) design/fabrication and InAs/GaSb strained layer superlattice (SLS) material growth to develop high quantum efficiency very longwave infrared (VLWIR) FPAs with cutoff wavelength > 14… More

We propose to combine Purdue University's expertise in the area of nano-scale antennae with QmagiQ's Qwip technology to develop a new class of polarimetric longwave infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs). The Phase 1 effort will pave the way toward the development in Phase 2 of dual-band polarimetric… More

We propose to develop a hyperspectral focal plane array and camera imaging in a large number of sharp hyperspectral bands in the thermal infrared. The camera is particularly suitable for the multispectral thermal infrared (TIR) imager of NASA's HyspIRI Mission. In Phase 1, we will develop a… More

A precise measurement of a target's temperature and emissivity will enhance a missile seeker's ability to discriminate between harmless decoys and lethal payloads, thereby improving the effectiveness of the nation's antiballistic missile defense systems. We propose to apply multi-color infrared… More

We propose to achieve a high operating temperature midwave infrared focal plane array with a novel version of a InAs/GaSb superlattice photodiode. In Phase I, we will grow, fabricate, and measure test devices to determine the maximum temperature the sensor can operate at with reasonable performance… More

We propose to develop a compact portable longwave camera for astronomical applications. In Phase 1, we successfully developed the eye of the camera, i.e. the focal plane array (FPA) and produced good imagery with it. In Phase 2, we will optimize the FPA for quantum efficiency and pixel operability,… More

We propose to develop a hyperspectral camera imaging in a large number of sharp hyperspectral bands in the thermal infrared. The camera is particularly suitable for the multispectral thermal infrared (TIR) imager of NASA's HyspIRI Mission. In Phase 1, we successfully developed a crucial camera… More

We propose to experimentally investigate MOCVD (Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition) as a technique for growing high-quality Type-II InAs/(In)GaSb SLS (Strained Layer Superlattice) photodiode epi material. In collaboration with the University of Maryland, our goal is to grow, process, and… More

In Phase I, we will demonstrate a dualband InAs/GaSb strained layer superlattice (SLS) photodiode with bias-selectable 3-5 and 8-12 micron spectral response. Bandgap engineering will be used to minimize dark current and make array processing simple and robust with the goal of demonstrating a… More

We propose to develop a large-format 1Kx1K longwave infrared focal plane array (FPA) from Type-II InAs/(In)GaSb strained layer superlattice (SLS) photodiodes. In Phase I, we will develop small pixels with the goals of ~ 10 micron cutoff wavelength, quantum efficiency>60%, and dark current… More

We propose to bandgap engineer the InAs/GaSb/AlSb material system to realize a dualband focal plane array (FPA) made up of stacked multi-barrier Type-II strained layer superlattice (SLS) photodiodes. Two longwave infrared spectral bands will be imaged in alternate frames by using a readout… More

We propose to develop and deliver 2-Color midwave/longwave infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs) and a camera based on Type-II InAs/InGaSb strained layer superlattice (SLS) sensor technology. 2-Color SLS FPAs with formats of 320x256 and 640x512 will be delivered, together with a portable 2-Color… More

In Phase I, we developed a novel infrared photodiode based on Type-II InAs/GaSb strained layer superlattices (SLS) which demonstrated pingpong dualband action, wherein the spectral response of the diode was switched between midwave (~ 5 micron cutoff) and longwave (~ 10 micron cutoff) infrared by… More

We propose to combine QmagiQ's strained layer superlattice (SLS) sensor technology with MIT Lincoln Laboratory's novel digital pixel readout integrated circuit (DROIC) to realize an advanced longwave infrared digital focal plane array (DFPA) with high quantum efficiency, dynamic range, and… More

We propose a high-performance broadband infrared focal plane array (FPA) for the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) on NASA's LANDSAT satellite. The FPA will feature a cutoff wavelength of 13 microns, operate at>55K, have a format of 640x512, quantum efficiency>30%, and will be realized… More

Longwave infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs) based on Type-II InAs/GaSb-based strained layer superlattice (SLS) photodiodes show good performance at the current time. A key remaining challenge is the reduction of dark current, dominated by pixel surface leakage in FPAs and low minority carrier… More

In Phase I we developed a novel infrared photodiode based on Type-II InAs/GaSb strained layer superlattices (SLS) that showed pingpong dualband action, wherein the spectral response of the diode was switched between extended midwave (~ 8 micron cutoff) and longwave (~ 10 micron cutoff) infrared by… More