Infrared Detectors and Focal Plane Arrays. Temperature Limitations to InfraredDetectors

摘要

Carrier generation within a photodetector is reviewed to determine the shot noiseof generation-recombination, arising from thermal radiation from within the detector itself. Since this is a noise that exists in all detectors at a finite temperature, it sets the absolute limit of detectivity that no detector of whatever type or design can exceed. The author's intent is to preclude managers from believing that higher detector temperature operation can be permitted. The equations are given and exemplar graphs are displayed for two interesting cutoff wavelengths, using coordinates that may readily be related to system performance needs. Several particular types of detectors are compared with the absolute limit curve. (jes)