Near-room-temperature Mid-infrared Photoconductor Signal and Noise Characterization

Abstract

Uncooled mid-infrared photoconductors are used in situations where hot objects (such as fire, explosions, engines, etc.) need to be detected using compact, low-cost systems. We have experienced trouble obtaining reliable detector data from mid-infrared photoconductor vendors. The purpose of this report is to give a detailed discussion of how to characterize the signal and noise properties of photodetectors with an emphasis on avoiding the measurement pitfalls associated specifically with room temperature and near room temperature mid-infrared photoconductors. The report ends with a discussion of where it is appropriate to use a commonly used figure of merit.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA570409

Entities

People

  • Justin R. Bickford
  • Neal K. Bambha
  • Wayne H. Chang

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Capacitance
  • Circuit Analysis
  • Circuits
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Equations
  • Figure Of Merit
  • Frequency
  • Impedance
  • Infrared Detectors
  • Infrared Photoconductors
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Photoconductors
  • Photodetectors
  • Resistance
  • Scattering

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.
  • Semiconductor Device Technology