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INAS Detectors for Infrared Astronomy

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NASA-SBIR-113280SBIR / STTR

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Under solicitation NASA-SBIR-113280, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program is pursuing the development of Indium Arsenide (InAs) detectors as a superior, lower-cost, and higher-yield alternative to Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) for infrared astronomy. This initiative aims to provide a solution for the visible to extended shortwave infrared spectral band, extending the cutoff wavelength from 2.3 microns to 3.0 microns while maintaining comparable dark current density through additional cooling. The technology is intended for critical space and ground-based applications, including the James Webb Space Telescope, EUCLID, and the Wide Field InfraRed Survey Telescope, as well as commercial uses in pharmaceutical and agricultural hyperspectral imaging and Department of Defense target recognition. The project, led by Principal Investigator Mani Sundaram of QmagiQ, focuses on transitioning from Phase I demonstrations to a Phase II development of a megapixel InAs focal plane array (FPA). Key technical objectives include the creation of a 1Kx1K array on an 18 micron pixel pitch, the development of an anti-reflection coating covering the 500-3000 nm spectral band, and the design of specialized camera packaging. The final proposed deliverable is a complete InAs FPA camera for NASA evaluation, leveraging mature group III-V growth and process equipment to ensure greater availability and improved image stability.

General Info

QmagiQ develops low-cost InAs infrared detectors and megapixel focal plane arrays for NASA.

Documents

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S1.04-6866 INAS Detectors for Infrared Astronomy Briefing Chart

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Organization & Contact Information

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AgencyNational Aeronautics and Space Administration → NASA SBIR/STTR Program
Contacts4 people available
OfficeUSA
Office AddressUSA
Contacts
Murzban D JhabvalaProject Manager
Mani SundaramPrincipal Investigator
Jason L KesslerProgram Director
Carlos TorrezProgram Manager

Interested Companies (1)

QmagiQNashua, NH

Full Description

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We propose InAs as a superior alternative to mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) for NASAs astronomy applications in the visible to extended shortwave infrared (eSWIR) spectral band: 0.7 - 2.5 microns. A key performance parameter, the dark current density, can be achieved by cooling the InAs 20K more than MCT with 2.3 micron cutoff. In return, the InAs will extend spectral coverage to 3.0 microns and offer higher yield, lower cost, and greater availability due to the leveraging of mature group III-V growth/process equipment. In Phase I, we demonstrated an InAs focal plane array (FPA) with spectral response from 450 nm to 3000 nm, quantum efficiency ~ 70% in this wide band, and a low dark current that dropped exponentially with cooling. In Phase II, we will further improve material quality, expand array format to 1Kx1K, and deliver a megapixel camera to NASA for evaluation for astronomy. InAs as an alternative to MCT for infrared astronomy Same dark current as MCT with 20K of additional cooling Extension of cutoff wavelength from 2.3 microns (for MCT) to 3.0 microns Higher yield and lower cost than MCT = greater availability Much better image stability TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES Build on and improve Ph1 InAs material and processing Develop megapixel InAs FPA (1Kx1K on 18 micron pixel pitch) Develop anti-reflection coating covering 500-3000 nm spectral band Develop camera packaging of FPA PROPOSED DELIVERABLE InAs FPA Camera
Benefits: Space- and ground-based infrared astronomy James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) EUCLID Wide Field InfraRed Survey Telescope (WFIRST) Hyperspectral imaging Product inspection in pharmaceutical and agricultural produce industries Crop inspection and development Target recognition and identification for DOD

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