Review of the development of 2k2 IR FPAs for astronomy and Space in Europe

We report on the development of short wave infrared (SWIR) imaging arrays for astronomy and space observation in Europe. LETI and Sofradir demonstrated 640×480 SWIR HgCdTe (MCT) arrays geared at low flux, low dark noise operation. Currently, we are developing 2048×2048 arrays mated to a newly developed ROIC. In parallel, the European Space Agency and the European Commission are funding the development and industrialization of 4" CdZnTe substrates and HgCdTe epitaxy. These large wafers are needed to achieve the necessary economies of scale and address the need for even larger arrays. HgCdTe SWIR detector performance at LETI/Sofradir is known from previous programs and will be discussed here. However, we will only be able to summarize the features and specifications of the new 2048×2048 detectors which are still at a prototype stage.