Very Long Wavelength Infrared Focal Plane Arrays for Earth Science Applications

Very long-wavelength infrared (VLWIR) focal plane arrays (FPAs) needed for Earth Science imaging, spectral imaging, and sounding applications have always been among the most challenging in infrared photodetector technology due to the rigorous material growth, device design and fabrication demands. Future Small Satellite missions will present even more challenges for VLWIR FPAs, as operating temperature must be increased so that cooler (and radiator) volume, mass, and power can be reduced. By combining recent advances in type-II superlattice (T2SL) barrier infrared detector (BIRD), light-trapping resonator pixel concept, and high dynamic range (HDR) 3D Readout IC (3D-ROIC), we will demonstrate a cost-effective, high-performance breakthrough VLWIR FPA technology with significantly higher operating temperature and sensitivity than previously attainable, and with the flexibility to meet a variety of Earth Science thermal infrared (TIR) measurement needs, particularly the special requirements of Small Satellite missions.

Accelerate mission development and reduce risk by developing critical components and subsystems for advanced instruments and observing systems

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