Improved MCT eSWIR modules for various demands of imaging applications

R. Wiegleb; R. Breiter; H. Lutz; A. Sieck

doi:10.1117/12.2684413

1 November 2023 Improved MCT eSWIR modules for various demands of imaging applications

R. Wiegleb, R. Breiter, H. Lutz, A. Sieck

Proceedings Volume 12737, Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications XX; 1273706 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2684413
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2023, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

The Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) market for defense, aerospace and industry applications is rapidly growing. A wide range of applications is available: From night vision to plastic sorting up to hyperspectral imaging. The classical SWIR detectors, which are based on InGaAs technology, have a cut-off wavelength typically around 1.7 μm. The extended SWIR (eSWIR) technology, with a spectral range up to 2.5 μm however offers significant advantages over traditional SWIR detectors. These are e.g. full exploitation of the nightglow spectrum, enhanced imaging under low light condition or ‘out of band’ operation with laser illuminators with a wavelength >2 μm. In addition, eSWIR technology includes reflective and thermal imaging, which allows detecting thermal target radiation in complete darkness. AIM presents its modules with different array formats and pixel pitches in the eSWIR spectral range from 0.8 μm up to 2.5 μm. Additionally we show that the cut-on wavelength can be lowered down to ~0.4 μm to extend the spectrum to the visible range by removing the detector substrate. A low size, weight and power (SWaP) eSWIR 640x512 10 μm pitch module has been developed and produced by AIM. It is best suited for handheld imaging or hyperspectral imaging applications with e.g. integration in UAVs. Key enabler for low SWaP however is higher operating temperature detector technology. Hence, we present the last improvements on dark current density and electro-optical performance of our eSWIR MCT HOT detector technology.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

R. Wiegleb, R. Breiter, H. Lutz, and A. Sieck "Improved MCT eSWIR modules for various demands of imaging applications", Proc. SPIE 12737, Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications XX, 1273706 (1 November 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2684413

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