INFRARED OPTICS RSCH
Abstract
This project supports Army research in materials and devices for active and passive infrared (IR) imaging systems and radio frequency (RF) photonics. This research aims to generate new technologies for unprecedented battlefield situational awareness and to continue the dominance of Army units during night operations. To achieve these objectives, IR focal plane arrays (FPAs), and interband cascade lasers with significantly improved performance, lower cost, and increased operating temperatures are required. This research has direct application to Army ground vehicles, aviation platforms, weapon systems, and the individual Soldier. Research is focused on material growth, detector and laser design, and processing for large area multicolor IR FPAs and interband cascade lasers. The principal efforts are directed towards novel materials for detectors and lasers, and investigating energy band-gap structures in semi-conductor materials to enhance the performance of lasers and IR FPAs. In the area of RF Photonics near-IR modeling and nanofabrication techniques are applied to the design and fabrication of IR photonic-crystal waveguide structures having customized IR properties. Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) configurations are incorporated into the photonic-crystal waveguide structures to enable reconfigurable IR waveguide properties. Customized IR photonic materials and components in conjunction with fiber optic interconnects are applied to the control of microwaves. The technical goals are to manage and control defects in the raw, unprocessed materials, maintaining quality control in the fabrication of the devices and arrays, limiting introduction of impurities in the material, surface passivation of the devices so that they are resistant to degradation over time and thermal management, particularly as it applies to interband cascade lasers. The cited work is consistent with the Director, Defense Research and Engineering Strategic Plan, the Department of Defense Basic Research Plan, the Army Modernization Strategy, and the Army Science and Technology Master Plan. Work in this project is performed by the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Adelphi, MD.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- 31B_0601102A_1_2040_PB_2012