Infrared retina using quantum dots in a well and type II InAs/GaSb strained layer superlattice detectors

Abstract

As infrared Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs) have evolved from the first generation of linear arrays to the second generation of small format staring arrays to the present "Third-Gen" devices, there is an increased emphasis on large area focal plane arrays with multicolor operation and higher operating temperature. In this paper, we will discuss how one needs to develop an increased functionality at the pixel level for these next generation FPAs. This functionality could manifest itself as spectral, polarization, phase or dynamic range signatures that could extract more information from a given scene. This leads to the concept of an Infrared Retina, which is an array that works similar to the human eye that has a "single" FPA but multiple cones. These cones are then coupled with powerful signal processing techniques that allow us to process color information from a scene, even with a limited basis of color cones. Unlike present day multi or hyperspectral systems, which use multiple FPAs, the idea would be to build a poor man's "infrared color" camera. We will use examples such as bias dependent dynamic tuning based on quantum confined Stark effect or plasmonic tailoring of the resonance to achieve embodiments of the infrared retina.