10μm pitch detectors for MWIR applications

SCD has developed over the last few years a family of digital infrared detectors for Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) band with 10 μm pitch, at various array formats (1920×1536, 1280×1024 and 640×512), with two type of sensing arrays (InSb and XBn-InAsSb) suitable for a large variety of electro-optical (EO) systems. The InSb photodiode array is based on SCD's mature planar implanted p-n junction technology, which covers the full MWIR band, and is designed to operate at 77K. The patented XBn-InAsSb barrier detector technology covers the blue part of the MWIR band and provides electro-optical performance equivalent to planar InSb but at operating temperatures as high as 150 K. Both sensing arrays, InSb and XBn, are Flip-chip bonded to our 0.18 μm CMOS technology Read-Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC). The FPAs are then assembled into custom designed Dewars that can withstand harsh environmental conditions while minimizing the detector heat load. A dedicated proximity electronics board provides power supplies and timing to the ROIC and enables communication and video output to the system. Together with a wide range of cryogenic coolers, a high flexibility of housing designs this family of detectors covers wide range of EO applications. The detectors with the smaller format are especially suitable for more compact and lower cost applications such as miniature payloads, weapon sight, hand held cameras and remote weapon station. Using the XBn- InAsSb sensing material, elevates the FPA operating temperature and thus reduces the power consumption of the cooler and increases its reliability. The large format detector allows wide Field of View (FOV) with high resolution. The InSb sensing material for the full MWIR band is an excellent solution for Missile Warning System (MWS) and spectrometry applications. The XBn-InAsSb with its high operating temperature and high reliability (long lifetime)

Keywords: Infrared Detector, InSb, XBn, Focal Plane Array, 10 μm pixel, High Operating Temperature, MWIR, MWS.

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