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

本研究的目的是开发高灵敏度的硅基传感器元件，单片集成与硅微电子，被动毫米波相机系统。该研究基于该小组开发的硅反向二极管，为完全基于硅的前端解决方案提供了新的机会。研究方法包括反向二极管的小型化，其射频性能的表征，以及隧道结设计和外延生长的修改，以实现高灵敏度同时具有低电阻。通过与Traycer诊断系统的密切合作，将提供对系统级集成的指导。智力优势：将研究材料和器件级的硅基传感器技术在毫米波成像系统中的可行性。在这项研究中针对的具体进展包括：（i）通过较低成本的设备，提高封装产量和降低组装成本的成本效益的传感;（ii）通过减少封装数量和简化封装需求，提高成像器性能和降低成像器重量;（iii）更大的成像器像素数，以提高分辨率;（iv）提高成像阵列的均匀性，以提高图像质量;（v）在室温下操作;以及（vi）在零偏置下操作，实际上消除了1/f噪声。 更广泛的影响：这项研究预计将大大推进毫米波成像技术的一系列安全和安全应用，包括检测隐藏在衣服下面的隐藏武器和飞行员通过模糊介质（例如，雨、雾、烟），例如用于在雾笼罩的机场中着陆的飞机。该项目包括与Traycer诊断系统公司的国内外合作，比利时鲁汶的海军研究实验室和大学内微电子中心（IMEC）。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.