Latest developments of type-II superlattice products at IRnova

In this paper, the versatility of the type-II superlattice (T2SL) technology for infrared (IR) imaging is clearly demonstrated with its capability to cover all wavelength bands from extended shortwave infrared (eSWIR, 1-2.5 μm) to LWIR (8-12 μm). Similar to the excellent performances of IRnova’s high operating temperature (HOT) midwave IR (MWIR, 3-5 μm) T2SL sensors (Oden, Njord), the eSWIR (Balder) T2SL technology is showing outstanding imaging quality, thanks to its high sensitivity (QE >70%) excellent uniformity (PRNU <2%), high modulation transfer function (MTF > 60% @ Nyquist frequency), excellent correctability and shot-noise limited temporal sensitivity. These eSWIR detectors are available both as FPAs for integration in TEC solutions for longest lifetime and in the newly released IDDCAs for the most compact solution. IRnova is also demonstrating the first fabrication of very large format eSWIR T2SL FPAs (Ymer, 2040×512 pixels on 15 μm pitch), tailored for future Earth observation space missions. Furthermore, IRnova is advancing its T2SL technology both towards longer wavelengths (9.5 μm cut-off) with diffusion limited dark current density (2 μA/cm² @ 80 K) and towards MW/LW dual band detectors demonstrating the anticipated behavior with MW response in reverse and LW response upon forward (LW) biasing of the detector. Finally, IRnova’s advanced solutions with MW/MW dual color detector family has been expanded with 15 μm pitch pixel level filters (4.3-5.1μm) implemented at IDDCA level, with a demonstration of great advantages for gas detection.