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Multiband Infrared (IR) Seeker
Title: Senior Engineer
Phone: (630) 771-0203
Email: svelicu@epir.com
Title: President
Phone: (630) 771-0201
Email: ssivananthan@epir.com
A major issue that inhibits the performance of current long wavelength infrared (LWIR) focal plane arrays (FPAs) in THAAD seekers is the residual non-uniformity (RNU). This non-uniformity (larger that 0.2% in FPAs fabricated with the current technology) leads to major restrictions on FPA integration times and optics temperatures. We propose to design and develop a 640x512 two-color mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR)/LWIR FPA technology based on HgCdTe grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Increased uniformity in composition, doping, thickness and defect minimization will occur due to specialized growth and in-situ monitoring techniques. RNUs lower than 0.2% in the LWIR band and 0.05% in the MWIR are expected. We will evaluate the uniformity of MBE-grown LWIR HgCdTe layers and will study the effects of various processing steps on layer uniformity. Test devices will also be fabricated to asses the uniformity of the device operating characteristics. BAE Systems will support the Phase I program with trade studies associated with single and two-color device design and array fabrication. In Phase-II, 640 x 512 two-dimensional, two-color arrays will be fabricated and mated to 2-color MWIR/LWIR ROICs. If necessary, various approaches for improving layer uniformity will be implemented.
* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *