Low dark current LWIR and VLWIR HgCdTe focal plane arrays at AIM

Abstract

In this paper AIM presents an update on its results for both n-on-p and p-on-n low dark current planar MCT photodiode technology LWIR and VLWIR two-dimensional focal plane detector arrays with a cut-off wavelength >11μm at 80K and a 640×512 pixel format. The arrays are stitched from two 512×320 pixel photodiode arrays at a 20μm pixel pitch. Thermal dark currents significantly reduced as compared to ‘Tennant’s Rule 07’ at a yet good detection efficiency <60% as well as results from NETD and photo response performance characterization are presented over a wide operating temperature range. The improvements made allow for the same dark current performance at a 20K higher operating temperature than with previous AIM technology. The demonstrated detector performance paces the way for a new generation of higher operating temperature low SWaP LWIR MCT FPAs with a <30mK NETD up to a 110K detector operating temperature and with good operability. Alternatively, lower dark currents at common operating temperatures may be attained, enabling cutting edge next generation LWIR/VLWIR detectors for space instruments.