Infrared engineering for the advancement of science: A UK perspective

Ian M. Baker

doi:10.1117/12.2268035

16 May 2017 Infrared engineering for the advancement of science: A UK perspective

Ian M. Baker

Proceedings Volume 10177, Infrared Technology and Applications XLIII; 1017726 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2268035
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2017, Anaheim, CA, United States

Abstract

Leonardo MW (formerly Selex ES) has been developing infrared sensors and cameras for over 62 years at two main sites at Southampton and Basildon. Funding mainly from UK MOD has seen the technology progress from single element PbSe sensors to advanced, high definition, HgCdTe cameras, widely deployed in many fields today. However, in the last 10 years the major challenges and research funding has come from projects within the scientific sphere, particularly: astronomy and space. Low photon flux, high resolution spectroscopy and fast frame rates are the motivation to drive the sensitivity of infrared detectors to the single photon level. These detectors make use of almost noiseless avalanche gain in HgCdTe to achieve the sensitivity and speed of response. Metal Organic Vapour Phase Epitaxy, MOVPE, grown on low-cost GaAs substrates, provides the capability for crucial bandgap engineering to suppress breakdown currents and allow high avalanche gain even in very low background conditions. This paper describes the progress so far and provides a glimpse of the future.

Citation Download Citation

Ian M. Baker "Infrared engineering for the advancement of science: A UK perspective", Proc. SPIE 10177, Infrared Technology and Applications XLIII, 1017726 (16 May 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2268035

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available