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Development of High Speed Mercury Cadmium Telluride Detector Arrays with Integral Readouts--Fermionics Corporation, 4555 Runway Street, Simi Valley, CA 93063-3479; 805-582-0155
Dr. Peter C. C. Wang, Principal Investigator
Dr. Peter C. C. Wang, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82576
Amount: $706,992
Low noise, high frequency detection of optical radiation in the 3-5 micron region demands the use of high-performance detector and readout circuitry. However, current infrared sensing architectures are not adequate, thus creating a void in the technology. This flaw is being addressed by combining high performance, planar, mercury-cadmium-telluride detectors (sensitive to the 3-5 micron spectral band) with low-noise, high-speed multiplexers, in order to achieve high-speed, low-noise operation. During Phase I, planar, 3-5 micron, mercury-cadmium-telluride diodes were developed, as well as a low-noise, over-sampling, analog-to-digital, integrated readout chip. These two components were then wire-bonded and tested as one unit for functionality. The results from Phase I clearly demonstrated this need for an integrated assembly. In Phase II, a custom-designed, low-noise, over-sampling, digital integrated array circuit will be designed and fabricated. Hybrids will then be made, using detector arrays bump-bonded to the over-sampling circuit and the low-noise, analog multiplexer. Finally, a stand-alone unit will be constructed.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Commercial applications should include high-speed tool machining, high-speed and armor vehicle manufacturing, structural research, laser and motion tracking, and target designation.