Modeled Performance of Multiple Quantum well Infrared Detectors in IR Sensor Systems

We present a model for scaling performance of multiple-quantum-well infrared detector arrays with operating temperature and spectral wavelength band, and discuss the optimization of multiplequantum-well infrared detector arrays for thermal imaging applications. We show that the specifics of the infrared sensor application can significantly affect the design and operation of these focal plane arrays. Background flux, desired operating temperature, sensor wavelength band, readout considerations, and calibration accuracy strongly affect design and optimization of the quantum well structure. Consequently, predictions of MQW focal plane performance and optimization of detector parameters must be done with the system requirements in mind, and not based purely on single detector performance.