Improved high operating temperature MCT MWIR modules

H. Lutz; R. Breiter; H. Figgemeier; T. Schallenberg; W. Schirmacher; R. Wollrab

doi:10.1117/12.2050427

24 June 2014 Improved high operating temperature MCT MWIR modules

H. Lutz, R. Breiter, H. Figgemeier, T. Schallenberg, W. Schirmacher, R. Wollrab

Proceedings Volume 9070, Infrared Technology and Applications XL; 90701D (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2050427
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2014, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

High operating temperature (HOT) IR-detectors are a key factor to size, weight and power (SWaP) reduced IR-systems. Such systems are essential to provide infantrymen with low-weight handheld systems with increased battery lifetimes or most compact clip-on weapon sights in combination with high electro-optical performance offered by cooled IR-technology. AIM’s MCT standard n-on-p technology with vacancy doping has been optimized over many years resulting in MWIR-detectors with excellent electro-optical performance up to operating temperatures of ~120K. In the last years the effort has been intensified to improve this standard technology by introducing extrinsic doping with Gold as an acceptor. As a consequence the dark current could considerably be suppressed and allows for operation at ~140K with good e/o performance. More detailed investigations showed that limitation for HOT > 140K is explained by consequences from rising dark current rather than from defective pixel level. Recently, several crucial parameters were identified showing great promise for further optimization of HOT-performance. Among those, p-type concentration could successfully be reduced from the mid 10¹⁶ / cm³ to the lower 10¹⁵/ cm³ range. Since AIM is one of the leading manufacturers of split linear cryocoolers, an increase in operating temperature will directly lead to IR-modules with improved SWaP characteristics by making use of the miniature members of its SX cooler family with single piston and balancer technology. The paper will present recent progress in the development of HOT MWIR-detector arrays at AIM and show electro-optical performance data in comparison to focal plane arrays produced in the standard technology.

Citation Download Citation

H. Lutz, R. Breiter, H. Figgemeier, T. Schallenberg, W. Schirmacher, and R. Wollrab "Improved high operating temperature MCT MWIR modules", Proc. SPIE 9070, Infrared Technology and Applications XL, 90701D (24 June 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2050427

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