The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 05, 2000
Filed:
Nov. 03, 1998
Mark A Dodd, Arlington, TX (US);
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD (US);
Abstract
An infrared detector array includes a plurality of detector pixel structures, each of which comprises a plurality of elongate quantum well infrared radiation absorbing photoconductor (QWIP) elements. The group of QWIP elements are spaced such that they comprise a diffraction grating for the received infrared radiation. Top and bottom longitudinal contacts are provided on opposite surfaces of the QWIP elongate elements to provide current flow transverse to the axis of the element to provide the required bias voltage. An optical cavity enhancement coating applied to the surface of the elements. The coating can be applied as to fill the space between the elements and extends above the top of the array if desired. The coating may be applied in multiple layers. An infrared radiation reflector is provided to form an optical cavity for receiving infrared radiation. A plurality of detector pixel structures are combined to form a focal plane array. Each detector pixel structure produces a signal that is transmitted through a conductive bump to a terminal of a read out integrated circuit. The group of the signals from the detector pixel structures produces an image corresponding to the received infrared radiation.