Mid-Infrared Detector Array Technologies for SOFIA and Sub-Orbital Observatory Instruments

Abstract

The status of various photovoltaic, photoconductive, BIB/IBC, superlattice, TES and KID technologies to produce arrays sensitive from 15 to [Formula: see text]m (Mid-infrared) will be reviewed to assess where reasonable investments should be made for SOFIA and other sub-orbital observatory instruments. These include HgCdTe, Si:As IBC, Si:Sb BIB, Ge:Ga, type 2 superlattice arrays of both III–V and II–VI materials and both TES and KID arrays. KID technologies for this wavelength region show promise, although to date there are no published experimental data on KID arrays for the mid-infrared.