Quantum grid infrared spectrometer

We have designed and characterized an infrared spectrometer, which uses a linear array of quantum grid infrared photodetectors (QGIPs) as its spectral sensing elements. Each QGIP element shares the same detector material but has a different grid geometry. The detector material, which is based on a binary superlattice design, provides an 8–14 μm broadband absorption medium for the spectrometer. The geometry of the grid, which is the light coupling structure under normal incidence, selects individual absorption wavelength for each element. Using a linear array of QGIPs of different geometries, multiple wavelengths can be detected simultaneously, and the array thus forms a spectrometer. Multicolor infrared imaging can then be achieved by integrating such QGIPs in unit cells of a two-dimensional array.