Quantum well infrared photodetector research and development at Jet Propulsion Laboratory

One of the simplest device realizations of the classic particle-in-the-box problem of basic quantum mechanics is the quantum well infrared photodetect or (QWIP). In this paper, we discuss the effect of focal plane array nonuni formity on the performance, optimization of the detector design, material g rowth and processing that has culminated in realization of large format lon g-wavelength QWIP cameras, holding forth great promise for many application s in 6-18 mum wavelength range in science, medicine, defense and industry, In addition, we present the recent developments in long-wavelength/very lon g-wavelength dualband QWIP imaging camera for various applications. (C) 200 1 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.