GOALI: Passive Millimeter-Wave Imaging Using Monolithic Si-based Square-Law Detectors for Security and Transportation Safety

本研究的目的是为无源毫米波相机系统开发高灵敏度的硅基传感器元件，单片集成硅微电子器件。该研究基于该小组开发的硅后向二极管，为全硅基前端解决方案提供了新的机会。研究方法包括小型化后向二极管，表征其射频性能，改进隧道结设计和外延生长，以实现高灵敏度和低电阻的同时。将通过与Traycer诊断系统的密切合作，为系统级集成提供指导。智力优势：硅基传感器技术在材料和器件层面将研究其在毫米波成像系统中的可行性。本研究的具体进展包括：(i)通过低成本设备进行成本效益传感，提高封装产量并降低组装成本；（ii）通过减少包装数量和简化包装需求，提高成像仪性能并减轻成像仪重量；（iii）更大的成像仪像素计数以提高分辨率；（iv）改善成像阵列的均匀性，提高图像质量；（五）常温操作；（vi）零偏置操作，几乎消除了1/f噪声。更广泛的影响：该研究预计将显著推进毫米波成像技术在一系列安全和安全应用中的应用，包括探测隐藏在衣服下面的人身上的隐藏武器，以及通过遮蔽介质（如雨、雾、烟）检测飞行员的视觉，例如飞机降落在大雾机场。该项目包括与Traycer诊断系统公司、海军研究实验室和比利时鲁汶大学内部微电子中心（IMEC）的国内和国际合作。该项目将培训研究生和本科生，包括来自代表性不足群体的学生。

The objective of this research is to develop highly sensitive silicon-based sensor elements, monolithically integrated with silicon microelectronics, for passive millimeter-wave camera systems. The research is based on the development of a silicon backward diode by this group, providing new opportunities for a fully silicon-based front-end solution. The research approach includes miniaturization of the backward diodes, characterization of their radio frequency performance, and modification of the tunneling junction design and epitaxial growth to achieve high sensitivity concurrently with low resistance. Guidance towards system-level integration will be provided through close collaboration with Traycer Diagnostic Systems.Intellectual Merit: Silicon-based sensor technology at the materials and device levels will be studied for their viability in millimeter-wave imaging systems. Specific advances targeted in this research include: (i) cost-effective sensing through lower-cost devices, increased packaging yield and reduced assembly cost; (ii) improved imager performance and reduced imager weight through reduced number of packages and simplified packaging needs; (iii) larger imager pixel counts for improved resolution; (iv) improved uniformity of imaging array for enhanced image quality; (v) operation at room temperature; and (vi) operation at zero bias, virtually eliminating 1/f noise. Broader Impacts: The research is expected to significantly advance millimeter-wave imaging technology for a range of security and safety applications including detecting concealed weapons hidden on a person below clothing and pilot vision through obscuring media (e.g., rain, fog, smoke), such as for an aircraft landing in a fog-bound airport. This project includes domestic and international collaborations with Traycer Diagnostic Systems, Inc., the Naval Research Laboratory and the Intra-University Microelectronics Center (IMEC) in Leuven, Belgium. The project will train both graduate and undergraduate students including students from underrepresented groups.