Advances in HgTe Colloidal Quantum Dots for Infrared Detectors

HgTe-based colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) fabricated between 10 nm and 20 nm in size readily lead to infrared cutoff wavelengths between 3 mu m and 12 mu m, due to their quantum confinement. In previous work, infrared photodetection using these films has been demonstrated to detect radiation out to a wavelength of 12 mu m, and imaging in the mid-wave infrared region. In this work, a complete focal plane array and imager was fabricated and its performance measured for detecting radiation out to 12 mu m. The photoconductive and optical properties of these HgTe CQD films are described, along with recent advancements in CQD detector technology. Anticipated improvements in the CQD synthesis and film deposition chemistries and techniques can raise the specific detectivity of these CQD films, bringing them closer to room-temperature operation.