Multielement detectors and modules – MCT / InAsSb
VIGO specializes in customized detectors and modules dedicated to the client’s application. 32-element arrays are now available in production with dedicated preamplifiers.
Most of the multielement detectors produced in the VIGO System are based on HgCdTe (epitaxial HgCdTe heterostructure) photovoltaic detectors, thermoelectrically cooled.
Chart 1 presents examples of spectral characteristics and Table 1 – parameters of detectors optimized for different wavelengths.
Chart 1. Exemplary spectral detectivity.
Table 1. Detectivity and time constant of HgCdTe detectors.
| Optimum wavelength λopt, µm | 3.0 | 3.4 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 10.6 |
| Detectivity D* (λopt), cm·Hz1/2/W | ≥7.0×1010 | ≥4.0×1010 | ≥3.0×1010 | ≥9.0×109 | ≥2.0×109 | ≥2.0×108 | ≥1.0×108 |
| Time constant τ, ns | ≤280 | ≤200 | ≤100 | ≤80 | ≤50 | ≤45 | ≤10 |
Our technological capabilities also allow the production of multielement detectors with InAsSb (indium arsenide antimonide) using the MBE (Molecular Beam Epitaxy) method.
These devices are complying with the RoHS Directive. They are designed for applications where higher resistance to difficult operating conditions should be ensured.
The great advantage of VIGO System multielement detectors is that there is no need for cryogenic cooling. This results in a reduction in the size and weight of the device, and hence a reduction in power consumption.
Figure 1 shows the dimensions (unit: mm) of TO8 16pin (a) and flatpack 40pin (b) housings in which VIGO System multielement detectors are mounted.
Figure 1. Mechanical layout.
Key features of the product
Advantages:
- High sensitivity
- High-speed response
- Convenient cryogenic-free operation
The key advantages of VIGO System multielement detectors are very high accuracy and measurement speed. In temperature measurements, accuracy of a single millikelvin is achieved, even when measuring an object present in the field of view for only a few microseconds.
In spectrophotometry, these advantages allow obtaining high-quality measurements in a short time. Measuring the entire spectral range at the same time shortens the measurement time (compared to the time needed for scanning and full spectrum analysis in one-piece detectors).
Table 2 presents the parameters of VIGO System multielement detectors, selected for the needs of individual applications.
Table 2. Parameters.
| Parameter | Value |
| Array format | linear or bilinear, up to 32 elements |
| Active elements material | HgCdTe or InAsSb |
| Detector type | PV (phtovoltaic) or PC (photoconductor) |
| Operating wavelength | MWIR (λcut-off: 3.0 to 8.0 µm) LWIR (λcut-off: 8.0 to 14.0 µm) λcut-on can be optimized upon request |
| Pixel size | minimum 25×25 μm |
| Cooling | 2- or 3-stage TEC |
| Active elements temperature | 210 – 270 K |
| Temperature sensor | thermistor or diode (accuracy up to ±1 K) |
| Time constant | 1 – 500 ns |
| Package | TO8 16pin or flatpack 40pin |
| Window | Si/Al2O3/Ge with or without anti-reflection coating, planar or wedged |
| Ambient temperature | 0 to 70°C |
| Storage temperature | -20 to 50°C |
VIGO System multielement detectors are offered with a wide range of accessories. Accessories can be tailored to the needs of application and integration with the user’s system.
Table 3 shows the examples of solutions.
Table 3. Accessories.
| Accessory | Description |
| TEC controller | onboard analog controller |
| Lens mount | C-mount 1” or SM1 THORLABS |
| Preamplifier | ultra-low noise, selectable bandwidth |
| DAQ | SPI or USB HS |
Applications
Multielement detectors are used in point, non-contact temperature measurements of fast moving elements. Real-time monitoring of temperature of external and internal wheel bearings and high-speed train brakes can serve as an example. As other examples can also be used: temperature measurements on production lines, anomaly detection, monitoring of cooling or combustion profiles.
Currently available spectrophotometers usually use the near infrared range of 0.8-2.5 μm. Organic compounds, greenhouse gases, hydrocarbons can be more precisely observed in the MWIR (3.0 – 8.0 µm) and LWIR (8.0 – 14.0 µm) ranges. The use of multielement detectors allows to eliminate the need for filters or use moving mechanical elements for scanning the spectra or space, and, consequently, eliminates errors related to their work. VIGO System multielement detectors allow for high-quality spectrophotometric measurements in a short time and very low noise also allows for operation with low-power sources: thermal or IR diodes.
High performance optical sorting systems are another application of multielement detectors. The detector line allows imaging elements moving on the tape and testing the chemical composition. Optical sorting can be used in the mining, food, chemical and pharmacological industries.
