Phase II: New Infrared Detectors for Astrophysics

继续密切合作，罗切斯特研究所技术中心的探测器和雷神视觉系统，PI将开发新的红外阵列探测器技术。 他们计划减少材料缺陷的数量（这是在天文仪器所需的低亮度应用中使用这些设备的主要障碍）。如果成功，这将通过大幅降低成本，允许更大的探测器，并与现有技术相比可能提高性能来增强天文学中红外仪器的能力。 在天文学界之外，该项目可能对美国的技术竞争力产生积极影响。 PI将在科学和技术的界面上积极地让本科生和研究生参与该计划的各个阶段。PI和他的团队将继续开发用于天文红外阵列探测器的新材料系统。该器件使用分子束外延生长在硅上的碲镉汞。初步结果表明，在进一步发展之前，该技术将成功满足天文学要求。 在第二阶段，将制造和测试一系列具有改进设计的装置。该方法是减少材料缺陷的数量，同时保持高的短波长量子效率。拟议的工作包括：使用厚缓冲层设计的新材料的生长、在两种设计中的十二个焦平面阵列的制造、以及在两种设计的制造之间的广泛测试。 与现有技术相比，这将通过降低成本和潜在地提高性能来增强天文学中红外仪器的能力。 拟议的计划的特点是雷神视觉系统的设计和罗切斯特理工学院探测器中心的测试之间的紧密联系。

Continuing a close cooperation between the Rochester Institute of Technology Center for Detectors and Raytheon Vision Systems, the PI will develop new infrared array detectors technology. They plan to reduce the number of material defects (which is the major remaining barrier to using these devices in low light level applications required for astronomical instruments). If successful, this will enhance the capabilities of infrared instrumentation in astronomy by dramatically reducing cost, allowing for larger detectors, and potentially improving performance when compared to what is available with existing technology. Beyond the astronomical community, this project could have positive impact on US technological competitiveness. The PI will actively involve undergraduate and graduate students in all phases of this program at the interface of science and technology.The PI and his team will continue development of a new material system for use in astronomical infrared array detectors. The devices use HgCdTe grown on Silicon using Molecular Beam Epitaxy. Preliminary results indicate that the technology will be successful for astronomy requirements pending further development. In this second phase, a series of devices with improved design will be manufactured and tested. The approach is to reduce the number of material defects while maintaining high short-wavelength quantum efficiency. The proposed work includes: growth of new material using a thick buffer layer design, fabrication of twelve focal plane arrays in two designs, and extensive testing between the fabrication of the two designs. This should enhance the capabilities of infrared instrumentation in astronomy by reducing cost and potentially improving performance when compared to what is available with existing technology. The proposed plan features a tight connection between design at Raytheon Vision Systems and testing in the Center for Detectors at the Rochester Institute of Technology.