LWIR and VLWIR MCT technologies and detectors development at SOFRADIR for space applications

Cédric Leroy; Philippe Chorier; Gérard Destefanis

doi:10.1117/12.922128

31 May 2012 LWIR and VLWIR MCT technologies and detectors development at SOFRADIR for space applications

Cédric Leroy, Philippe Chorier, Gérard Destefanis

Proceedings Volume 8353, Infrared Technology and Applications XXXVIII; 83532O (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.922128
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

SOFRADIR is one of the leading companies involved in the development and manufacturing of MCT (Mercury Cadmium Telluride) infrared detectors for space programs. The panel of space applications in which SOFRADIR is involved is wide and covers a large spectrum ranging from visible up to very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR). The last mission requirements for space applications, in particular for imagers and sounders, have brought new specifications for LWIR and VLWIR infrared detectors with cut-off wavelength of more than 15 μm. These requirements call for technology and design optimizations in order to find the best trade-off between detector performances and operational constraints such as operating temperature. In this paper, we present first a review of the different needs for current and future LWIR and VWLIR space applications in terms of detector architectures and requirements. Then, a presentation is made of the latest MCT technology optimizations for LWIR and VLWIR spectral bandwidths to meet these needs (n-onp and p-on-n technologies). Finally, different read-out circuit architectures are discussed to improve operability and performances in these bandwidths. Anyway, as mission requirements are always different depending on applications, a trade-off between the different solutions proposed in this paper is necessary in the early phases of the programs to find the best compromise to comply with customer needs.

Citation Download Citation

Cédric Leroy, Philippe Chorier, and Gérard Destefanis "LWIR and VLWIR MCT technologies and detectors development at SOFRADIR for space applications", Proc. SPIE 8353, Infrared Technology and Applications XXXVIII, 83532O (31 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.922128

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