Jonathan Andrews (Naval Research Laboratory), Sergio R. Restaino (Naval Research Laboratory), Scott W. Teare (New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology), Sanjay Krishna (University of New Mexico), Mike Lenz (University of New Mexico), J.S. Brown (University of New Mexico), S.J. Lee (University of New Mexico), Christopher C. Wilcox (Naval Research Laboratory), Ty Martinez (Naval Research Laboratory)
Keywords: Telescopes, Instrumentation
Abstract:
The Center for High Technology Materials at the University of New Mexico has been investigating tunable quantum well/dot detectors for infrared detection. These devices have been manufactured in 300 x 256 pixel arrays and can be adjusted to obtain a maximum responsivity to wavelengths ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm by applying an external bias voltage. This detector has the capability of expanding the field of hyperspectral imaging by allowing real-time tunability over a very wide spectrum without switchable filters. Additionally, devices can be manufactured in a linear array and coupled with a grating to produce a spectrometer with a maximum sensitivity that is tunable over a wide range of frequencies. This paper reports on the device specifications, laboratory results, and discusses suitable applications in the field of space surveillance.
Date of Conference: September 12-15, 2007
Track: Telescopes and Instrumentation