Quantum Disc-based Focal Plane Arrays for Low-cost Highperformance Uncooled LWIR Imaging
Abstract
Create low-cost 0D nanostructure-contained quantum disks that can be integrated into uncooled LWIR focal plane arrays. The work will be done in three phases as follows: Phase I: Quantum Disk-based Single-element LWIR Photodetectors (12 months): This phase will focus on the development of a low-cost robust technology for fabrication of quantum disks that can be utilized for uncooled high-performance LWIR detection. Multiple growth and processing techniques will be investigated to achieve the devices with best performance based on quantum disks. These will include growth by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Moreover, processing techniques like semiconductor printing, substrate transfer, and reusing substrate for material growth will be investigated. Different types of substrates (such as III-V, Silicon, and Metallic) will used to achieve a combination high performance and low cost. A comprehensive study on different properties of the fabricated quantum disk, both individually and when bundled in various arrangements; this includes a theoretical modeling that accounts semi-classical and quantum properties of these structures. Experimental characterization of the electrical, optical, and structural properties of these quantum disks will also be conducted as part of this phase. Phase II: Improved Quantum Disk-based Single-element LWIR Photodetectors (12 months): This phase will focus on improvement of the performance of the photodetectors from Phase I and development of a technology for controlled dispersion or printing of quantum disks on a host substrate with the focus on realization of high-performance uncooled LWIR single-element photodetectors over large area wafers. For this purpose, we will test quantum disks that are based on a single type of semiconductor (such as bulk InAsSb, InBiSb, etc), core-shell quantum dot structures (core and shell shall have type-I or type-II band alignment), and stacked nanodiscs (which is a quasisuperlattice with extra degrees of confinement). Phase III: Fabricate and Deliver FPAs (12 months): This phase will focus on the demonstration of a low-cost high-performance uncooled LWIR FPAs by wafer-scale integration of the above quantum disks with commercially available readout integrated circuits (ROIC) or any other host substrate. The Center for Quantum Devices (CQD) has an established relationship with industrial partners in technology transition and commercialization endeavors, and will team up with other potential partners in attaining custom designed ROICs and delivering a packaged uncooled LWIR imager as the final product.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 22, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1610410
Entities
People
- Manijeh Razeghi
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Northwestern University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense