Infrared Scene Generation for Wide Field of View (WFOV) Sensors

We propose the development of a two color LED array emitting simultaneously at 2 and 8 microns suitable for use in infrared scene projection applications. The relative intensity of the two colors can be independently controlled. The Phase I effort will involve the fabrication and test of a 6x6 array, but the technology is scalable (we have recently demonstrated single-color 3.3 um LED arrays of 512x512) to 2048x2048 pixels or beyond. The two color LED arrays can be compatible with existing read in integrated circuits (RIICS) and scene generators for convenient and rapid deployment into IRSP facilities. These LED arrays are made possible through the flexibility of the GaSb based material system, where high quality type-I and type-II heterointerfaces are available. The long wavelength section of the proposed heterostructure is a type-II superlattice structure and the short wavelength section is implemented with type-I heterointerfaces. Power Photonic has previously implemented dual color individual LEDs and single color LED arrays, but hybrid type-I / type-II LEDs have not been demonstrated before individually or as an array. BENEFIT: The LED arrays will offer greatly enhanced performance compared to the resistor arrays currently in use. The advantages include higher apparent temperature, much faster response time, longer operational lifetimes, reduced cost, and a technology that can be duplicated by several government and commercial growers. This last ensures a robust list of alternate sources.