SBIR Phase I: III-V Nitride Structure for Far Infrared Detection

这个小企业创新研究的第一阶段将探索低光远红外探测的新结构设计。目标是开发由III-V氮化物半导体制成的多量子阱，以实现比现有技术更大的操作和成本优势。在第一阶段，建议的传感器将被设计和制造。远红外吸收将在低温下被证明。在第二阶段，将优化传感器的设计和制造条件。将测量探测器的响应性、均匀性和动态范围，并为政府和商业评估生产远红外传感器和焦平面阵列的原型。该项目的成功完成将为远红外线提供比现有技术在更高温度下工作的低成本敏感探测器。远红外线传感和成像市场规模超过10亿美元，目前的技术依赖于冷却，而且价格昂贵。该技术的应用包括但不限于红外成像空间监视、公共安全和安保、搜索和救援行动。多量子阱和超晶格红外探测器由于其可调节的带隙和器件结构，在空间监视和成像应用中非常有前途。它们具有在杂乱环境中远距离探测目标的潜力。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I will explore new structure designs for low light level far infrared detection. The aim is to develop multi-quantum wells made of III-V nitride semiconductors to achieve operational and cost advantages over existing technologies. During Phase I, the proposed sensor will be designed and fabricated. Far infrared absorption will be demonstrated at low temperatures. In Phase II, sensor design and fabrication conditions will be optimized. The responsivity, uniformity, and dynamic range of detectors will be measured, and prototype far infrared sensors and focal plane arrays will be produced for governmental and commercial evaluations. Successful completion of the project will provide lower-cost sensitive detectors for the far infrared operating at higher temperatures than prior art. Far infrared sensing and imaging market is over $1 Billion in size, and current technologies rely on cooling and are expensive. The applications of the technology include but are not limited to infrared imaging space surveillance, public safety and security, and search and rescue operations. Multiquantum-well and superlattice infrared detectors are very promising for space surveillance and imaging applications because of their adjustable band gaps and device structures. They have the potential to detect targets at long ranges in cluttered environments.