Large format long-wavelength GaAs/AlGaAs multi-quantum well infrared detector arrays for astronomy

摘要: A long-wavelength large format quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) focal plane array has been successfully used in a ground based astronomy experiment. QWIP arrays afford greater flexibility than the usual extrinsically doped semiconductor (IR) arrays. The wavelength of peak response and cutoff can be continuously tailored over range wide enough to enable light detection at any between 6-20 /spl mu/m. spectral band width these detectors tuned from narrow (/spl Delta//spl lambda///spl lambda/ sim/ 10%) 40 %) allowing various applications. Also, device parameters optimized achieve extremely high performances lower operating temperatures 30 K) due exponential suppression dark current. Furthermore, QWIPs offer low cost per pixel highly uniform (FPAs) mainly mature GaAs/AlGaAs growth processing technologies. other advantages are higher yield, 1/f noise radiation hardness. Recently, we operated an camera with 256/spl times/256 sensitive 8.5 mu/m prime focus 5 m Hale telescope, obtaining images. remarkable stability - cameras operate by modulating optical signal nod period up 100 s. 500 s observation on sky renders flat image little indication spatial frequency structures associated imperfect subtraction or detector drifts.