Prof. Sanjay Krishna
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico
June 16, 2010 | 01:00 to 02:00 | 521 Cory Hall, Hogan Room
Host: Ali Javey
Infrared detectors operating in the 3-20um are important due to three primary reasons: First, the atmosphere is transparent in the two bands referred to as mid-wave infrared (MWIR, 3-5um) and long-wave infrared (8-12um), making it possible to see through fog and smoke under poor visibility conditions. Second, a lot of chemical species have characteristic absorption features in this wavelength range making these detectors vital for remote sensing and stand-off detection Finally, there is blackbody emission from living objects at these wavelengths making it possible to use them for "night vision" and thermography applications such as surveillance and medical diagnostics. Presently, we are in what is referred to as the third generation of infrared detectors. The first generation of infrared detectors was based on single pixel and linear detector arrays. The second generation consisted of small-format staring focal plane arrays (FPAs). The emphasis of the third generation imagers is on higher operating temperature (HOT), multicolor tunabilty and large-format arrays. In this presentation, I will try and look into the crystal ball to make predictions about the fourth generation of infrared detectors. Using the concept of a bio-inspired infrared retina, I will make a case for an enhanced functionality in the pixel. The key idea is to engineer the pixel such that it not only has the ability to sense multimodal data such as color, polarization, dynamic range and phase, but also the intelligence to transmit a reduced data set to the central processing unit. I will use two material systems which are emerging as promising infrared detector technologies as prototypes to highlight this approach. These are InAs/InGaAs self-assembled quantum dots in well (DWELL) hetereostructure pioneered by the Lester/Malloy group at UNM and InAs/(In,Ga)Sb strain layer superlattices (SLS) detectors. Various approaches for realizing the infrared retina will be discussed.
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