HOT infrared detectors using MCT technology

Cooled IR technologies are challenged for answering new system needs like the reduction of power consumption. This reduction is requested in new IR system design in particular for cooled IR detection. The goal is to reduce system sizes, to increase system autonomies and reliabilities and globally to reduce system costs. One of the key drivers for cooled systems is the cooler and the operating temperature. As far as operating temperature is concerned, Sofradir and CEALETI LIR put a lot of efforts to increase the operating temperature of IR MCT detectors. The n/p and p/n MCT technologies are improved to operate at high temperature with good performances and particularly with low rate of defective pixels. These detectors operate in the MW blue band, MW and LW. In addition complex structures like nBn structures are developed to go further in the high operating temperature. Results are presented and discussed.