High-resolution QWIP and T2SL IDDCAs by IRnova

Abstract

Lately IRnova's research activities have been focused on the development of its next generation Type II Superlattice (T2SL) and Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) based infrared focal plane arrays (FPA) and Integrated Detector Dewar Cooler Assembly (IDDCAs) with 640x512 pixels @ 15μm pixel pitch. Last year we presented the initial results obtained for both of the above mentioned technologies at FPA and single element level. In this paper we will introduce our next generation of fully functional IDDCA (@15μm pixel pitch) solutions for MWIR and LWIR detection based on T2SL and QWIP technology respectively. Novelty of these IDDCAs lies in that fact that both of these products make use of FLIR indigo's ISC0403, and similar Cooler and Dewar assemblies. Performance in terms of picture quality, operability, response uniformity, stability and NETD of these IDDCAs is evaluated using demonstrator cameras developed in-house. This QWIP based LWIR IDDCA is the smallest pixel pitch commercially available IDDCA using this technology.