Quantum Well and Quantum Dot Based Detector Arrays for Infrared Imaging

A mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) and long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) 1024times1024 pixel quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) focal plane array has been demonstrated with excellent imagery. MWIR focal plane has given noise equivalent differential temperature (NETD) of 19 mK at 95 K operating temperature with f/2.5 optics at 300 K background and LWIR focal plane has given NEDT of 13 mK at 70 K operating temperature with same optical and background conditions as MWIR array. Both of these focal plane arrays have shown background limited performance (BLIP) at 90 K and 70 K operating temperatures with the same optics and background conditions. In this paper, we will discuss their performance in quantum efficiency, NETD, uniformity, and operability