NSF Award
0128306
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop the technology to perform Spectroscopic Imaging Polarimetry using Antenna Arrays with Integrated Diodes (SIP-AAID) to measure both the amplitude and phase of the light in an image at each pixel. Typically, visible and IR detectors / imagers measure only the intensity of light, ignoring potential information in the phase. Since antenna size <br/>and diode capacitance scales with electromagnetic radiation wavelength for optimum collection, this SIP will require the use of antenna's with features < 100 nm, and diodes with layer thicknesses < 5 nm and geometric areas < 50 nm, for visible and IR light. The development of a high resolution SIP-AAID that determines the complete polarization state of light at each pixel over a broad range of wavelengths is expected to revolutionize the IR and visible imaging detector industry. The relatively low cost and the unique capabilities of the SIP-AAID, when compared to present IR detectors, will likely provide a market pull for applications ranging from in/on-line process and product control to surveillance with unmatched recognition and tracking abilities.<br/> The commercial applications of this project will be in space and defence related industries.
