Multi-spectral frequency selective mid-infrared microbolometers

Abstract

Frequency selective detection of low energy photons is a scientific challenge using natural materials. A hypothetical surface which functions like a light funnel with very low thermal mass in order to enhance photon collection and suppress background thermal noise is the ideal solution to address both low temperature and frequency selective detection limitations of present detection systems. Here, we present a cavity-coupled quasi-three dimensional plasmonic crystal which induces impedance matching to the free space giving rise to extraordinary transmission through the sub-wavelength aperture array like a "light funnel" in coupling low energy incident photons resulting in frequency selective perfect (~100%) absorption of the incident radiation and zero back reflection. The peak wavelength of absorption of the incident light is almost independent of the angle of incidence and remains within 20% of its maximum (100%) up to i θ 45 ≤ . This perfect absorption results from the incident light-driven localized edge "micro-plasma" currents on the lossy metallic surfaces. The wide-angle light funneling is validated with experimental measurements. Further, a super-lattice based electronic biasing circuit converts the absorbed narrow linewidth (0 / Δ < λ λ 0.075) photon energy inside the sub-wavelength thick film (< λ/100) to voltage output with high signal to noise ratio close to the theoretical limit. Such artificial plasmonic surfaces enable flexible scaling of light funneling response to any wavelength range by simple dimensional changes paving the path towards room temperature frequency selective low energy photon detection.

Dirac plasmon-assisted asymmetric hot carrier generation for room-temperature infrared detection

“…The two important parameters that determine a detector’s performance are (a) detectivity and (b) response time. The uncooled detector devices or bolometers working at room temperature are very slow with the response time of τ ~ ms 10,11 , while having the detectivity of D * ~ 10 8 to 10 9 Jones. Furthermore, photoconductive or photovoltaic detectors have limited operation bandwidth determined by their bandgap.…”

Deterministic Nanoassembly of Quasi-Three-Dimensional Plasmonic Nanoarrays with Arbitrary Substrate Materials and Structures

“…Interaction of incident light with three-dimensional (3D) metal–dielectric composite nanoarrays provides unique capabilities to manipulate light at nanoscale length. − Diverse types of 3D or quasi-3D plasmonic nanoarrays with tailored feature shapes, sizes, and configurations have been explored for a broad range of light-driven sensors and actuators such as imagers, biosensors, lasers, and antennas. − Traditionally, the construction of 3D plasmonic nanoarrays has largely relied on the use of nanolithography techniques by exploiting either electron-beam lithography (EBL), or focused ion-beam lithography (FIB), or interference lithography (IL), but their laborious, complex, and time-consuming nature impedes practical applications. − In addition, the nanolithography processes often require the use of thermal and chemical treatments, leading to additional increase of complexity and risk in protecting the substrate materials. Alternative strategies involve the use of micro/nanoscale 3D printing techniques such as nanoimprinting and modular microtransfer printing, allowing for deterministic integration of 3D plasmonic nanoarrays with a foreign receiver substrate, and thereby circumventing the incompatibility of the nanolithography conditions with substrate materials. − Nevertheless, the choice of receiver substrates remains limited by the required physical contact forces during printing steps, yielding an increased risk of potential damages to receiver substrates particularly composed of mechanically fragile materials and structures.…”

Tunable plasmonic superchiral light for ultrasensitive detection of chiral molecules

“…plasmon resonances (LSPRs) with near perfect absorption (30)(31)(32). This system offers distinct advantages (28) compared to previously reported methodologies.…”