New quantum dot IR detectors available help develop HD camera

United States Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's researchers have developed a new type of nano-technology based on quantum dot IR detector (QDIP).

The gold as the main material of the new component can substantially improve existing infrared device imaging quality, will provide the next generation HD camera and night vision equipment research and development possible. Related papers published in the journal Nano letters.

By the United States Air Force Research Council funded this project through the traditional quantum dot IR detector components increase gold Nano-thin and small structure, you can add an existing quantum point infrared detector sensitivity increase two times.

Researchers, infrared detectors sensitive degree fundamentally depends upon the removal of interference can be received and the amount of light.

At present most infrared detectors have HgCdTe technology (MCT). The symbol on the infrared radiation is extremely sensitive, you can get a strong signal, but also face cannot be prolonged use of imperfection (signal strength will gradually reduce).

In this new study, researchers used a thickness of 50-nanometer, ductility of gold thin film, set in its large diameter 1.6 Micron, 1 micron hole and the hole is filled with unique optical properties of semiconductor materials to form quantum dots.

King nanometer-scale thin films on may the ray "packed into the small hole" and focus on embedded quantum dots. This structure reinforces the detector's ability to capture light rays, while also improving quantum dots of photoelectric conversion efficiency. Experimental results show that without additional weight and interference by the device's signal strength than conventional quantum dot IR detector enhances twice. Next, they plan to expand the surface holes diameter and improved methods of quantum dots lens could be improved on the device. Researchers estimate that the equipment on the sensitivity at least 20 times more headroom.

Responsible for the study of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute physics Professor Lin Shin Yu (transliteration), this experiment is a new type of quantum dots and infrared detectors development sets up a new road signs.

This is nearly 10 years for the first time in the not to increase the interference signal successfully enable infrared detector sensitivity get promoted, most likely promote infrared detection technologies into a new stage of development.

Infrared sensor and detection equipment in satellite remote sensing, climate and environmental monitoring, medical imaging, as well as night vision device research and development on both the value has a broad application.

Lin Shin Yu in 2008 has developed a Nano-coatings, will its coverage in solar panels, making the latter the absorptivity of the Sun to 96 percent.