Broadband QWIP FPAs for hyperspectral applications

Is a quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) suitable for hyperspectral applications? Yes, provided its spectral response is broad enough, the signal-to-noise ratio in narrow spectral slices across the entire response band is high enough, and the operating temperature is reasonable. We present th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Infrared physics & technology 2013-07, Vol.59, p.112-117
Main Authors: Reisinger, Axel, Dennis, Richard, Patnaude, Kelly, Burrows, Douglas, Bundas, Jason, Beech, Kim, Faska, Ross, Sundaram, Mani
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Broadband response
Focal plane array
Hyperspectral
Longwave infrared
QWIP
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Summary:Is a quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) suitable for hyperspectral applications? Yes, provided its spectral response is broad enough, the signal-to-noise ratio in narrow spectral slices across the entire response band is high enough, and the operating temperature is reasonable. We present the performance of a 640×512 QWIP focal plane array (FPA) with nearly uniform spectral response from 8 to 12μm that achieves temporal noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) lower than 200mK in 20nm wide spectral slices across the entire 8–12μm band with the FPA operating at a temperature of 50K or colder. A hyperspectral camera would feature a grating or prism to disperse 8–12μm light across such a FPA or a hyperspectral filter on top of the FPA. Operating in pushbroom mode on an earth-observing satellite, the camera can be used for spectral mapping of vegetation, crops and forests, for pollution monitoring, and for studies in atmospheric chemistry.
ISSN:1350-4495
1879-0275
DOI:10.1016/j.infrared.2012.12.024