FA910124PB060

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I

Ultra-Broadband High-Definition High-Frame Rate NIR-MWIR Imager

Ultra-Broadband High-Definition High-Frame Rate NIR-MWIR Imager

This program will develop a wide wave band detector in a single imager that covers the NIR (700nm-1100nm) SWIR (1100nm to 3000nm) and MWIR (3000nm to 5500nm) expanding the detection capabilities in a hyperspectral imaging system. This type of detector allows the detection of a host of chemicals in addition to the differentiation of camouflaged or deceptive objects from background clutter from actual targets using a multi-wavelength filtering system. In addition, this wide waveband detector provides a system capability to cover various applications simultaneously, especially surveillance in dark condition, detecting and tracking objects covered by obscuration like smoke and fog as well imaging and detection of all the major lasers used on the battlefield. Currently most infrared detectors are focused on a single band either Visible and NIR, SWIR, MWIR or LWIR only. This is mostly due to the limitation of the material and device operation of the read out integrated circuit (ROIC). A large dynamic range readout integrated circuit will be used in combination with wide spectral range detectors covering 700nm to 5500nm, in combination with some filters to provide a unique hyperspectral imaging system. In this research the focus will be to develop a novel Type 2 Superlattice planar detector integrated with an InGaAsSb quaternary detector grown on GaSb substrates with a lower dark current for a lower size, weight and power system. The reduced dark current will be achieved using planar based detector technology versus the current mesa-based detectors that have large surface areas and require complicated passivation.

The goal of phase I is to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of proposed R&D efforts and determine the quality of performance of the small business awardee organization.

SF241-0022

F241-0022-0578

24.1

Lindsay Burrows