Far-infrared focal-plane development for SIRTF

Eric T. Young, Michael J. Scutero, George H. Rieke, Tom E. Milner, Frank J. Low, W. P. Hubbard, J. T. Davis, Eugene E. Haller, Jeff Beeman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe the development of sensitive extrinsic germanium focal plane arrays for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). The cryogenic telescope of SIRTF will be used for natural-background-limited astronomical observations, an application that requires arrays of far-infrared sensors of unprecedented sensitivity. For the 30 - 55 μm wavelength range, we describe the development of monolithic Ge:Be arrays with associated readouts bump- bonded to a common substrate. For the 55 - 120 μm wavelength range, we describe arrays based on a 1 × 32 building block that can be stacked into fully filled two- dimensional arrays. We show results from tests of a 3 × 32 demonstration array that operates at the SIRTF performance levels. This array demonstrates solutions to the problems of (1) maintaining the required detector operating temperature (< 2 K); (2) isolating the array from the heat and photon emission of the readout; (3) achieving long absorption paths in the detectors; and (4) maintaining constant detector bias and low noise from the readout amplifier. The array design permits stacking into the full 32 × 32 format required for SIRTF. The array thermally isolates the readout from the detectors to take advantage of the improved electronics noise performance at the elevated temperature of 20 K. We also show designs for improved versions of the array that emphasize manufacturability and the ability to be space qualified.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
PublisherPubl by Int Soc for Optical Engineering
Pages63-74
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)0819408492, 9780819408495
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992
EventInfrared Readout Electronics - Orlando, FL, USA
Duration: Apr 20 1992Apr 20 1992

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume1684
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherInfrared Readout Electronics
CityOrlando, FL, USA
Period4/20/924/20/92

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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