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High-Detectivity Very-Long-Wavelength Strain-Compensated Type II Superlattice Infrared Photo Detectors

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-09ER85467
Agency Tracking Number: 91533
Amount: $99,826.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 58 c
Solicitation Number: DE-PS02-08ER08-34
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2009
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
7620 Executive Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
United States
DUNS: 876868647
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Yiqiao Chen
 Dr.
 (952) 934-2100
 chen@svta.com
Business Contact
 Leslie Price
Title: Ms.
Phone: (952) 934-2100
Email: price@svta.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Very-long-wavelength infrared (VLWIR) photo detectors are needed for infrared-based chemical identification and terrestrial mapping applications associated with the detection of weapons of mass destruction. This project will develop a material system for a high-performance type-II VLWIR photo detector fabricated on a GaSb substrate. The approach will involve (1) a strain-compensated type II superlattice structure, (2) a dark-current suppression technique for InAs/GaSb/AlGaSb superlattice PIN diodes in the depletion region, and (3) an atomic-hydrogen-enhanced growth and surface preparation technique. Phase I will characterize the positive affects of strain-compensation and dark current suppression process in type II PIN structures. Phase II will refine the techniques to realize type II superlattice detectors in the 300-1000 cm-1 region at liquid nitrogen temperatures. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee The technology should result in higher optical absorption, higher operating temperature, higher material purity, and very low dislocation density, factors that should significantly enhance device operation in the 300-1000 cm-1 region. Photo detector arrays using this material would be of great interest to the DOE for various applications, including, in particular, imaging and remote sensing.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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