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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 2)
Quasi-resonant absorption has been demonstrated to enhance the quantum efficiency of devices across the spectrum, but specifically it is a challenge in the UV portion of the spectrum. FDTD simulation will be employed to discover beneficial morphologies that can be fabricated with existing technologies at GSFC. This project could yield high impact results in relatively short time and low investment and if successful can be integrated realistically into future missions requiring optical devices or detectors across the spectrum (UV to far IR) as well.
The main objective of this project is to demonstrate the increased quantum efficiency of detectors for different materials determined by the Astrophysics missions. Typical quantum efficiency in the UV portion of the spectrum stands at 20-50%. This research is supported by a two-year research conducted by NSTRF fellow Eliad Peretz and Prof Tobias Hanrath from Cornell University (TRL 3-4). Specifically, this has been demonstrated with Silicon, and Silicon-on Insulator (SOI) wafers in lab conditions for wavelengths between 230-1300 nm and from 380-1600 nm at GSFC but will be applied to other materials and wavelengths.
This technology can be used to increase external absorbance in optical detectors across the electromagnetic spectrum and may be used where optical coatings are difficult to implement due to material properties or physical dimensions.
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