Sensors and Instrument Technology

Direct Detector Program

FY '93 4th Quarter (July to September 1993) Report

LONG-TERM PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The Direct Detector element of the NASA OACT Sensors Technology element is developing advanced devices and systems to meet a range of future mission needs. The program strives to produce mission-enhancing or mission-enabling advanced detectors in the major discipline areas of earth science, astrophysics, planetary, and space physics. Essentially, the program aims to successfully develop and thoroughly characterize detector systems which achieve optimum performance under the environmental conditions dictated by each specific space application. In many cases, this means achieving background-limited performance in a multi-element array, operating at the temperatures and integration times defined by the mission design. The program presently concentrates on advanced infrared detection techniques, and has as a goal the expansion into other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, including advanced high-energy detectors. The program aims to involve the OSS and MTPE user communities in the definition and conduct of programs, and to accomplish effective handoffs of advanced detector technologies to the users and to the relevant project offices.

OBJECTIVES

• Development and characterization of a 256 x 256 array of Si:As impurity band conduction (IBC) detectors for SIRTF and other applications.

• Development of advanced thermal IR detectors which operate with high sensitivity at elevated (approximately 60 kelvin) temperatures, for use in missions such as the Earth Observing System. This element includes:
  • Large silicon-based [e.g., stacked heterojunction internal photoemission (HIP)] IR detector arrays with tailorable 8 - 17 um response.

  • Long-wavelength multi-quantum well (AlGaAs/GaAs) detector technologies.

  • Long-wave strained-layer superlattice devices (InAsSb/InSb or GaInSb/InAs)

• Development of 2-d arrays of Ge:x IBC detectors for SIRTF, SMIM, and other missions

• Development and demonstration of an advanced electron-tunneling Golay cell detector, for solar physics and terrestrial/planetary imaging applications.

• Development of advanced low-temperature readout technologies in Si, GaAs, and other materials, to support astrophysics and earth science applications.

Direct Detectors Milestone Schedule

Direct Detectors - FY '94 1st Quarter (October to December 1993) - Executive Summary

• First and Second Quarter reports will be combined and will be available shortly.

Direct Detectors - FY '93 4th Quarter (July to September 1993) - Executive Summary

• Direct Detectors Highlights from 4th Quarter FY 1993 (July to September, 1993)

• Direct Detectors Budget from 4th Quarter FY 1993 (July to September, 1993)

• Direct Detectors Plans for 1st Quarter FY 1994 (October to December, 1993)

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