Antimony-Based Focal Plane Arrays for Shortwave-Infrared to Visible Applications

We propose to develop antimony-based focal plane arrays (FPAs) for NASA's imaging and spectroscopy applications in the spectral band from visible to shortwave-infrared, viz. wavelengths from 0.5 - 2.5 microns. We will leverage recent breakthroughs in the performance of midwave and longwave infrared FPAs based on the InAs/GaSb/AlSb material system in which QmagiQ has played a key part. In these spectral bands, this novel sensor already offers performance comparable to mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) but at a fraction of the cost due to the leveraging of commercial growth and process equipment. Our goal is to extend that benefit into the shortwave infrared. Using the best material currently available and a novel bandgap-engineering design and process, we will fabricate FPAs and measure how the antimony-based sensor compares to state-of-the-art shortwave MCT in terms of quantum efficiency and dark current. In Phase I, we will develop and deliver a small-format FPA. In Phase II, we will further improve performance and develop and deliver megapixel FPAs for evaluation for NASA's astronomy and planetary missions.

1) Space- and ground-based astronomy and astrophysics 2) NASA's earth-observing missions in the visible and shortwave-infrared 3) Chemical/spectral mapping of forests, vegetation and crops 4) Atmospheric mapping 5) Pollution monitoring 6) Temperature mapping of oceans and landmasses

1) Hyperspectral imaging systems for inspection of agricultural produce and pharmaceutical drugs 2) FTIR imaging microscopy 3) Gas imaging (e.g. for the petrochemical industry) 4) Security and surveillance (day and night) 5) Thermography 6) Medical imaging 7) Missile defense 8) Space-based situational awareness

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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