MCT FPAs at high operating temperatures

P. Knowles; L. Hipwood; L. Pillans; R. Ash; P. Abbott

doi:10.1117/12.903042

28 September 2011 MCT FPAs at high operating temperatures

P. Knowles, L. Hipwood, L. Pillans, R. Ash, P. Abbott

Proceedings Volume 8185, Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications VIII; 818505 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.903042
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2011, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

This paper summarises measurements and calculations of HOT performance in Selex Galileo's MW detectors and demonstrates that high quality imagery can be achieved up to 175K. The benefits of HOT operation for cooler performance and power dissipation are also quantified. The variable band gap of MCT provides the ability to optimise the cut-off wavelength for a wide range of operating temperatures. In particular, it provides the means to produce a MW detector that is well matched to the 3-5μm atmospheric transmission window at any temperature in the range from 80K up to room temperature. Competing InSb technology is disadvantaged at higher operating temperatures by a narrowing band gap, increasing cut-off wavelength, and inadequate EO performance. The practical upper limit of operating temperature for near-background limited performance is influenced by several factors, which fall into two categories: the fundamental physics of thermal dark current generation and black body emission from the cooled radiation shield, and the technology limitations of MCT diode leakage currents, excess noise, dark current due to defects, and injection efficiency into the ROIC.

Citation Download Citation

P. Knowles, L. Hipwood, L. Pillans, R. Ash, and P. Abbott "MCT FPAs at high operating temperatures", Proc. SPIE 8185, Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications VIII, 818505 (28 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.903042

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