Advanced Sensors for Millimeter-Wave Detection and Imaging [UND_FY06_008]

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Millimeter-wave detection and imaging is a rapidly developing field with both commercial and national security applications. This research is focused on the design and demonstration of high performance backward diode detectors and imaging arrays. The heterostructure backwards diode has been shown to outperform existing detectors at room temperature. The devices are promising for applications in security, avionics and signal detection, where they can image through smoke, haze, and opaque materials such as fabric for remote chemical and explosion detection. In addition to imaging, the sensors are part of systems for electronic data collection, in detection, categorization and analysis of signals. The detectors do not require cooling to obtain major sensitivity enhancements, which reduces cost and increases efficiency. Improvements in detectors and arrays come through an interdisciplinary program of device design and numerical simulation, coupled with fabrication and measurement-based models for the devices. The project engages undergraduate and graduate students and will generate a series of case students for curricular enrichment. The continued development of semiconductor materials for electronic applications benefits a broad spectrum of disciplines and applications. Spin-off applications of this sensor technology include communication, high-performance wireless networking, medical imaging, astronomy and general metrology.