66‐3: Invited Paper: Colloidal Quantum Dot Photodetectors for Large Format NIR, SWIR, and eSWIR Imaging Arrays

Abstract

In 2019 SWIR Vision Systems introduced its 2.1 MP Acuros cameras to the industrial imaging market, becoming the first company globally to commercialize high resolution, quantum‐dot based image sensors. Since this product introduction, SWIR Vision Systems has continued to advance the performance of its colloidal quantum dot detector architecture. These advances include demonstrating detectors with 940 nm QE's > 50% and extended wavelength eSWIR detectors with spectral response from 350 nm to 2100 nm. This paper will provide an overview of our approach to fabricating focal plane arrays, will describe recent results fabricating Vis‐SWIR and eSWIR CQD® detector arrays, and will show imaging demonstrations of these sensors in a variety of applications.

Material Perspective on HgTe Nanocrystal-Based Short-Wave Infrared Focal Plane Arrays

“…This has enabled the integration of HgTe as an optically active material in an extensive range of devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), − lasers, − photonic structures, − infrared sensors, − and cameras . Following their use as light downconverters in displays and farming, nanocrystals are now being integrated into infrared cameras, − one of the first commercial applications in which the material is both electrically and optically active. So far, most reported cameras , are based on PbS nanocrystals and operate in the near-infrared and short-wave infrared. − ,− HgTe holds more promise for the design of longer wavelength sensors in the extended short-wave and midwave infrared.…”

“…Following their use as light downconverters in displays and farming, nanocrystals are now being integrated into infrared cameras, − one of the first commercial applications in which the material is both electrically and optically active. So far, most reported cameras , are based on PbS nanocrystals and operate in the near-infrared and short-wave infrared. − ,− HgTe holds more promise for the design of longer wavelength sensors in the extended short-wave and midwave infrared. On the other hand, there are, to date, only a few reports of imaging based on this material. ,− …”

Disruptive infrared image sensors enabled by quantum dots

“…Focal plane arrays (FPAs) based on QD absorbers are gaining momentum, with some even reaching commercial maturity. [9][10][11] Here, the optimized pixel stack is transferred to a custom-designed readout integrated circuit (ROIC). The chips are fabricated in 130-nm technology on 200-mm wafers.…”

Photoconductive focal plane array based on HgTe quantum dots for fast and cost-effective short-wave infrared imaging

“…2,11–14 For the latter application, most of the efforts have been focused on the design of single pixel devices, but there are few reports relative to image sensors. 12,15–19 Several companies (such as SWIR Vision, 20–22 ST Microelectronics, 23 IMEC, 1,24–26 Emberion, 27 QDIR, Osram) are now developing or even commercializing nanocrystal-based cameras.…”