Infrared imaging has typically relied on quantum well and quantum dot focal plane arrays which inherently have a narrow spectral response. In order to detect 'color' information within the infrared spectrum, several detectors are used with a filtering scheme to sample different wavelengths and the data is post-processed to yield multi-spectral images. Using the 320 x 256 pixel quantum dot-in-a-well (DWELL) infrared focal plane arrays developed by the University of New Mexico's Center for High Technology Materials offers numerous advantages including wide spectral response (1 μm to 30 μm +) and response tunability. The latter of these allows multi-spectral imaging without switchable filters. A simple external bias voltage is applied to tune spectral response on a pixel by pixel basis. This presentation outlines the work to date and future work to be accomplished on this project to implement tunable color imaging capabilities in several wavelengths throughout the infrared spectrum using the DWELL structure. Precision radiometry, similar to astronomical photometry using a charge coupled device, will be realized in addition to color imaging capabilities, requiring a full characterization of noise processes and techniques for noise reduction in this novel device.

Date Published: 3 September 2008
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 7082, Infrared Spaceborne Remote Sensing and Instrumentation XVI, 70820T (3 September 2008); doi: 10.1117/12.795599

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7082:
Infrared Spaceborne Remote Sensing and Instrumentation XVI
Marija Strojnik, Editor(s)