Adaption of Large Format Sensor Array Near-Infrared devices

The objective of this activity is to adapt the existing large format sensor arrays (LFSA) developed under TRP activities T217-059PA and T217-059PA-B to the needs of future astrophysics missions and verify the opto-electronic performances. The requirements of the EChO mission shall be utilised as the reference case.

EChO requires MCT detectors with low readout noise and dark current, high quantum efficiency (over 0.4-2.5 um) and a low operational temperature (down to 40K). The LFSA required performances are mostly in line or less demanding than ECHO needs, in particular for the readout noise and overall ROIC performances. However, wavelength range and operational temperature need extension. An ECHO specific detector can largely benefit from the work carried out so far on the LFSA activities, especially since the format for a potential ECHO detector (below 1k x 1k) is less demanding than the LFA target of 2k x 2k. The main tasks of this activity are:- Review and identify in the existing LFA technology the modification required to match EChO requirements.- Manufacture Prototypes of equivalent structures- Perform the standard detector characterization such as dark current, conversion gain, readout noise, quantum efficiency (cut on-cut off), power consumption.- Provide a development plan up to flight model with expected performances at 40K-50K for detectors extended to cover 0.4-2.5um.