Project Title:

An Infrared Focal Plane Array with User-Selectable Spectral Response

92-1-08.11-0610                                                    NAS07-1232
An Infrared Focal Plane Array with User-Selectable
     Spectral Response
Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
3490 U.S. Route 1
Princeton, NJ  08540
Gregory H. Olsen                                     (609-520-0610)

Abstract:

     A novel focal plane array will be developed where the
spectral response and noise properties of the array can be
selected externally by the user. This project will produce a
epitaxial wafer that has layers with longer wavelength response
which are successively grown and then selectively removed so that
the p-n junctions are formed in regions with different wavelength
response (i.e. different bandgap or material composition). Phase I
will use epitaxial layers of InGaAs/InAsP to make a linear
detector array with cutoff wavelengths of 1.7, 2.2, and 2.7 æm at
room temperature. Phase II will employ InGaAsSb alloys to extend
these concepts out past 5.5 æm with 128 x 128 element focal plane
arrays. Both room-temperature and thermo-electrically cooled
device performance will be tested. The project will also demon-
strate schemes for electronic and optical addressing of various
pixel regions, as well as alternate configurations of the
epitaxial layers. 

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  A focal plane array for novel
imaging applications in the 0.9 to 5.5 æm spectrum will allow
images formed by different wavelengths but by the same camera to
be compared through the electronic selection of pixels. The
response could also be expanded to the visible and ultraviolet
region.

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