High-performance HgCdTe photoconductive detector assemblies for space applications

Advanced detector fabrication technology and high reliability packaging processes have been developed for the manufacturing of high performance HgCdTe photoconductors. These infrared array assemblies for use in GOES and other weather satellites operate at radiative cooler temperatures ranging from 95 to 115 K. A large quality of flight detectors sensitive to spectral wavelengths ranging from 7 to 16 micrometers have been fully characterized. Detector performance data as a function of bias, temperature, frequency and cutoff wavelength are presented. A computerized model has been developed and reasonable agreements between computer projections and measured performance are obtained. This model has been used successfully to identify an optimum set of materials and device parameters for a given set of system requirements. In addition, advanced assembly and packaging techniques have been developed to ensure tight alignment tolerances, long- life hermeticity, low-outgassing and low internal reflection. Detector array assemblies have been demonstrated to withstand extensive qualification and environmental tests and the results are summarized.