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Strained Layer Superlattice Using HgTe for VLWIR Detection

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Missile Defense Agency
Contract: FA8650-04-M-5425
Agency Tracking Number: B041-082-1024
Amount: $99,986.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: MDA04-082
Solicitation Number: 2004.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2004
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2004-04-15
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2004-10-15
Small Business Information
590 Territorial Drive, Suite B
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
United States
DUNS: 068568588
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Paul Boieriu
 Senior Engineer
 (630) 771-0206
 pboieriu@epir.com
Business Contact
 Sivalingam Sivananthan
Title: President
Phone: (630) 771-0201
Email: siva@epir.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

High-performance detectors sensing in the long wavelength and very long wavelength infrared spectral ranges are desirable for various applications supporting Air Force and Missile Defense capabilities. Limited types of detectors and arrays are currently available for the detection of infrared radiation with wavelengths longer than 15 microns, and most are based on low quantum efficiency extrinsic semiconductors. Despite considerable progress in bulk HgCdTe photovoltaic technology, difficulties persist in sensing wavelengths longer than 10 microns with a bulk material due to limitations imposed by large tunneling dark currents and Auger recombination rates. Strained layer superlattices using HgTe layers and lattice mismatched layers based on CdTe alloys are an extremely promising alternative for infrared systems requiring higher temperature and longer wavelength operation. In this type of superlattice, the active region layers are strained, playing a crucial role in suppressing Auger recombination and therefore increasing the operating temperature of the infrared sensing devices above current standards. The presence of a novel type of detector material based on II-VI strained layer superlattice will not only pave the way to emerging research but will also have an impact on a U.S. market that requires high quality detectors sensitive to very long wavelength infrared radiation.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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