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Advancing High Speed MIR Detection with Quantum Cascade Detectors
The mid-infrared (MIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum stands out for its vast potential across numerous applications. It boasts rich rotovibrational spectra of various light molecules (small organic molecules, gases, etc.), making MIR absorption spectroscopy an invaluable tool for label-free detection in diverse fields. Additionally, MIR wavelengths exhibit low scattering by aerosols, rendering them highly promising for research in free-space communication. Notably, specific regions within the MIR spectrum (around 4 µm and 10 µm) offer low absorption by atmospheric gases, facilitating long-distance free-space communication.
The success of MIR applications is rooted in the availability of the required MIR photonic technologies. As such, quantum cascade detectors (QCDs) emerge as a key technology. These photovoltaic detectors are designed to operate over different spectral regions of the MIR. What sets them apart is their ability to function at room temperature without a bias voltage. Furthermore, they are characterized by their low noise, which compensates for their relatively lower photoresponse compared to alternative MIR detectors. This characteristic pushes their specific detectivity above 1 x 109 cm·Hz1/2/W. However, the most interesting feature of QCDs is their exceptional speed, theoretically exceeding 100 GHz and often exceeding 20 Ghz at a -3 dB threshold.
Hamamatsu Photonics is proud to have released the world’s first commercially available QCD [1], marking a significant milestone in MIR technology.
Quantum cascade photodetector (QCD) P16309-01.
Remarkably, this groundbreaking device is one of the only commercial QCDs operating at room temperature without necessitating any cooling mechanism. Its applications include high-speed detection of gases[2] and high-speed spectroscopy[3] in the MIR region. For example, QCDs can potentially play a critical role in enabling kinetic studies of chemical reactions, which often occur at sub-nanosecond time scales. This capability enables the development of new chemical processes, impacting various facets of life, from improving energy yield to reducing emissions and promoting the adoption of eco-friendly chemicals.
References
[1] Ultimate response time in mid-infrared high-speed low-noise quantum cascade detectors; by Tatsuo Dougakiuchi, Akio Ito, Masahiro Hitaka, Kazuue Fujita and Masamichi Yamanishi; Applied Physics Letters; AIP Publishing; Appl. Phys. Lett. 118, 041101 (2021) Link: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0038147
[2] Application of High-Speed Quantum Cascade Detectors for Mid-Infrared, Broadband, High-Resolution Spectroscopy; by Tatsuo Dougakiuchi and Naota Akikusa; Sensors 2021; MDPI ; Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/s21175706
[3] Time-stretch infrared spectroscopy; by Akira Kawai, Kazuki Hashimoto, Tatsuo Dougakiuchi, Venkata Ramaiah Badarla, Takayuki Imamura, Tadataka Edamura & Takuro Ideguchi; communications physics; Article number: 152 (2020); Link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-020-00420-3
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