VIS/SWIR IR detectors for space applications at AIM: models and qualification status

AIM has developed IR modules including the FPAs for a wide range of applications. For SWIR applications FPAs based on liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) are available. These devices having different array sizes and are usable in a wide range of hyperspectral imaging applications. Silicon readout circuits provide various integration and readout modes including specific functions for spectral imaging applications. An important advantage of MCT based detectors is the tunable band gap. The spectral sensitivity of MCT detectors can be engineered to cover the extended SWIR spectral region up to 2.5μm without compromising in performance. AIM developed and released the technology option to extend the spectral sensitivity of its SWIR modules also into the VIS. This has been successfully demonstrated for different FPA designs. A short overview is given in tis paper. AIM has qualified this VIS technology option based on a 1024x256 FPA capable for extended hyperspectral applications. Within this paper the test approach and the results will be presented.