Short-wavelength infrared imaging using low dark current InGaAs detector arrays and vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser illuminators

Michael H. MacDougal; Jonathan C. Geske; Chad Wang; David Follman

doi:10.1117/1.3579520

1 June 2011 Short-wavelength infrared imaging using low dark current InGaAs detector arrays and vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser illuminators

Michael H. MacDougal, Jonathan C. Geske, Chad Wang, David Follman

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 50, Issue 6, 061011 (June 2011). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.3579520

Abstract

We describe the factors that go into the component choices for a short wavelength IR (SWIR) imager, which include the SWIR sensor, the lens, and the illuminator. We have shown the factors for reducing dark current, and shown that we can achieve well below 1.5 nA/cm² for 15 μm devices at 7 °C. In addition, we have mated our InGaAs detector arrays to 640×512 readout integrated integrated circuits to make focal plane arrays (FPAs). The resulting FPAs are capable of imaging photon fluxes with wavelengths between 1 and 1.6 μm at low light levels. The dark current associated with these FPAs is extremely low, exhibiting a mean dark current density of 0.26 nA/cm² at 0 °C. Noise due to the readout can be reduced from 95 to 57 electrons by using off-chip correlated double sampling. In addition, Aerius has developed laser arrays that provide flat illumination in scenes that are normally light-starved. The illuminators have 40% wall-plug efficiency and provide low-speckle illumination, and provide artifact-free imagery versus conventional laser illuminators.

©(2011) Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

Citation Download Citation

Michael H. MacDougal, Jonathan C. Geske, Chad Wang, and David Follman "Short-wavelength infrared imaging using low dark current InGaAs detector arrays and vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser illuminators," Optical Engineering 50(6), 061011 (1 June 2011). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.3579520

Published: 1 June 2011

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