NASA 1996 SBIR Phase I

PROJECT TITLE : : Thallium-Based Photodiode Arrays and Cameras for 1.0 - 12.0 mm

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

We propose to develop photodetector arrays for the 1.0 to 12.0 um spectral region based on alloys of thallium indium gallium phosphide (TlInGaP) which are lattice-matched to InP. In Phase I we will use gas-source molecular beam epitaxy (GSMBE) to determine the growth conditions for high-quality single-crystal alloys of this material. Lattice-parameter, energy bandgap, and carrier concentrations will be measured on materials having 0-10% thallium. A simple p/n junction will also be constructed and characterized. In Phase II, we will finish the materials optimization, completely characterize the electro-optical properties of these alloys and fabricate and deliver photodetector linear photodetector arrays up to 512 elements and a 128 x 128 element focal plane array camera, based on our commercial camera. Prof. Stephen Forrest (Princeton University) will consult on the project.

A new class of materials for the 1.0 - 12.0 mm near-, mid- and long-wave infrared bands. Both emitters and detectors could be made over this entire spectrum, using only one substrate and one alloy. This would reduce cost 5-10X, allow monolithic integration (with conventional InP/InGaAs) of readout electronics for imaging devices and open a commercial market for us estimated at $5-10 million within three years.

Dr. Gregory H. Olsen
Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
3490 U.S. Route 1, Building 12
Princeton, NJ 08540

Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
3490 U.S. Route 1, Building 12
Princeton, NJ 08540