Teledyne’s silicon hybrid CMOS focal plane array technology has matured into a viable, high performance and high- TRL alternative to scientific CCD sensors for space-based applications in the UV-visible-NIR wavelengths. This paper presents the latest results from Teledyne’s low noise silicon hybrid CMOS visible focal place array produced in 4K×4K format with 10 μm pixel pitch. The H4RG-10 readout circuit retains all of the CMOS functionality (windowing, guide mode, reference pixels) and heritage of its highly successful predecessor (H2RG) developed for JWST, with additional features for improved performance. Combined with a silicon PIN detector layer, this technology is termed HyViSI™ (Hybrid Visible Silicon Imager). H4RG-10 HyViSI™ arrays achieve high pixel interconnectivity (<99.99%), low readout noise (<10 e- rms single CDS), low dark current (<0.5 e-/pixel/s at 193K), high quantum efficiency (<90% broadband), and large dynamic range (<13 bits). Pixel crosstalk and interpixel capacitance (IPC) have been predicted using detailed models of the hybrid structure and these predictions have been confirmed by measurements with Fe-55 Xray events and the single pixel reset technique. For a 100-micron thick detector, IPC of less than 3% and total pixel crosstalk of less than 7% have been achieved for the HyViSI™ H4RG-10. The H4RG-10 array is mounted on a lightweight silicon carbide (SiC) package and has been qualified to Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6). As part of space qualification, the HyViSI™ H4RG-10 array passed radiation testing for low earth orbit (LEO) environment.

In preparation for the large number of infrared pixels required in the era of Extremely Large Telescopes, Teledyne, in partnership with the University of Hawaii and GL Scientific, has been funded to develop the next generation of largeformat infrared focal plane array for ground-based astronomy; the 4096 × 4096 pixel (15 micron pitch) H4RG-15. Teledyne has successfully designed, produced, and tested the first generation H4RG-15 prototype arrays. This paper reports on the functionality and performance test results of the H4RG-15 prototypes and provides status of the 2012 pilot production effort.

Advances continue to be made to Teledyne's HxRG family of imaging sensors: H1RG (1024x1024 pixels), H2RG (2048x2048), and H4RG (4096x4096). These are hybrid CMOS sensors that independently optimize the performance of detector materials and CMOS readout circuits. The H2RG is the foremost infrared sensor in astronomy; being used by most large ground-based telescopes, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), and the Joint Dark Energy Mission (JDEM). The spectral response of the HgCdTe infrared detector is tunable; cutoff wavelengths of 1.7, 2.5 and 5.3 mu m are routinely produced and are available as standard product. Recognized for high quantum efficiency in the visible through infrared, the H2RG has been improved in several ways: lower readout noise, lower dark current, reduced interpixel capacitance, reduced persistence, and improved pixel operability. The next generation array is in development: the 4096x4096 pixel, 15 mu m pitch H4RG-15. The H4RG-15 and its 10 mu m pixel pitch version, the H4RG-10, retain the H2RG features while adding capabilities to improve performance and increase manufacturability. Packaging also continues to advance; a new silicon carbide (SiC) package has been demonstrated for the H2RG, and SiC packages are being developed for the H4RG-10 and H4RG-15. The FIxRG sensors directly interface to the SIDECAR ASIC, TRL-9 component that provides focal plane electronics on a single chip.

Arrays of independently tunable MEMS Fabry-Perot filters have been developed that enable spectral tuning over the range of 11 - 8 microns with a filter bandwidth of ~ 120 nm. Actuation is provided using a MEMS driver IC that is hybridized to the MEMS chip. Combining the filter array with an IR FPA enables spatially-resolved spectral tuning in a compact architecture. Tunable spectral response data from the first integrated tunable filter / FPA device are presented.

We report on Hg 1−x Cd x Te mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) detectors grown by molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) on CdZnTe substrates. Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of HgCdTe-MWIR devices and temperature dependence of focal-plane array (FPA) dark current have been investigated and compared with the most recent InSb published data. These MWIR p-on-n Hg 1−x Cd x Te/CdZnTe heterostructure detectors give outstanding performance, and at 68 K, they are limited by diffusion currents. For temperatures lower than 68 K, in the near small-bias region, another current is dominant. This current has lower sensitivity to temperature and most likely is of tunneling origin. High-performance MWIR devices and arrays were fabricated with median R o A values of 3.96 × 10 10 Ω-cm 2 at 78 K and 1.27 × 10 12 Ω-cm 2 at 60 K; the quantum efficiency (QE) without an antireflection (AR) coating was 73% for a cutoff wavelength of 5.3 µm at 78 K. The QE measurement was performed with a narrow pass filter centered at 3.5 µm. Many large-format MWIR 1024 × 1024 FPAs were fabricated and tested as a function of temperature to confirm the ultra-low dark currents observed in individual devices. For these MWIR FPAs, dark current as low as 0.01 e − /pixel/sec at 58 K for 18 × 18 µm pixels was measured. The 1024 × 1024 array operability and AR-coated QE at 78 K were 99.48% and 88.3%, respectively. A comparison of these results with the state-of-the-art InSb-detector data suggests MWIR-HgCdTe devices have significantly higher performance in the 30–120 K temperature range. The InSb detectors are dominated by generation-recombination (G-R) currents in the 60–120 K temperature range because of a defect center in the energy gap, whereas MWIR-HgCdTe detectors do not exhibit G-R-type currents in this temperature range and are limited by diffusion currents.

The co-founder of Microsoft has made a mint from a business that many attack, but his efforts in Africa highlight a virtue: a philanthropic understanding of science. The world needs more of it.

Immunochromatographic assays have become popular diagnostic tools in a variety of settings because they are sensitive, fast, and easy to use. Here, we describe the use of a novel reporter, upconverting phosphors (UCP), in this assay format. UCP are submicron-sized, inorganic crystals that are excited with infrared light and that emit photons in the visible range depending on the ion composition of the crystal. Using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as a model analyte to describe the properties of phosphors in immunochromatographic assays, a detection limit of 10 pg hCG in a 100-μl sample has been achieved on a regular basis, with occasional detection of 1 pg hCG. This represents at least a 10-fold improvement over conventional reporter systems such as colloidal gold or colored latex beads. Quantitation of analytes is possible over at least 3 orders of magnitude. Furthermore, an example is given of how UCP can be used for analyte multiplexing using a two-plexed wick for the detection of mouse IgG and ovalbumin. Thus, UCP lateral flow assays can be used for applications that are currently limited by assay sensitivity, and they can increase the probability of a diagnosis by verifying the presence of several analytes in the same sample.

Rockwell has developed the world’s largest multiplexer for use with infrared HgCdTe and visible silicon detector arrays. The resulting FPAs are to be proposed for the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) program, ground-based astronomy, and other low background applications. The 2048x2048 multiplexer’s unit cell size is 18 μm x 18 μm with source follower per detector input (SFD) and 4 and 32 output amplifier selections. SWIR detectors with a spectral response of 0.85 μm to 2.5 μm have been processed on liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) HgCdTe on sapphire substrates. MWIR detectors (0.85-5.0 μm) will be processed on molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) HgCdTe on CdZnTe substrates. Response to wavelengths as low as 0.4 μm is possible with the substrate removal process and an example of this will be given. The multiplexer has been designed and fabricated at Conexant (formerly Rockwell Semiconductor Systems). Room temperature probing shows that the device is functional with excellent yield – 20%. Novel hybrid fabrication techniques have been used to construct the first engineering grade FPA, currently being tested. This HAWAII-2 device is based on the highly successful HAWAII 1024x1024 device and the performance will be similar. The ultimate performance expected from the array is: dark currents of <0.01 e-/s, quantum efficiency of >55% across the spectral band, and noise levels of <3 efor the SWIR and <10 efor the MWIR band using Fowler sampling. We expect to achieve these performance levels at 77K for the SWIR and >40K for the MWIR band. The first 2048x2048 hybrid has been fabricated and the results will be discussed. Also, high quantum efficiency (90%) and low dark current (0.1 nA/cm2 at 257K) silicon detectors have been fabricated and characterized. The electro-optical characteristics of these devices will be discussed. These devices may already have high enough radiation hardness for many space missions.

The work on the development of compact diode laser-based lidar systems at SRI International is reviewed. Two systems, a pseudorandom modulation lidar, and a mobile remote sensor for natural gas pipeline leak detection are described in detail, and experimental results are presented. Methods to enhance signal detection by digital filtering are also reviewed.

The HAWAII-2 is an infrared 2048(2) focal plane array (FPA) that is being developed for next-generation infrared astronomy. It will supplant our HAWAII 1024(2) as the largest high-performance imaging array available for IR astronomy. As with our prior infrared sensors, the flip-chip hybrid will consist of a low-capacitance HgCdTe detector array mated to a low-noise CMOS silicon multiplexer via indium interconnects. In order to accommodate reasonable telescope optics and fabrication of the large sophisticated readout (approximate to 40 x 40 mm(2)) using world-class submicron CMOS, the FPA has 18 mu m pixel pitch. We anticipate >5% yield of defect-free multiplexers using 0.8 mu m CMOS. The HgCdTe detector arrays will be fabricated on large wafers including sapphire and silicon. Though the first FPAs will have 2.5 mu m cut-off, the readout will be able to support longer wavelengths. Also reported are the latest 1024x1024 FPA results with 2.5 mu m HgCdTe detectors.

We report the first demonstration of flow cytometry using upconverting phosphor microsphere reporters. These unique materials are excited by near infrared light from a diode laser and emit visible light in narrow emission bands in the 500 to 700 nm spectral region. Advantages of upconverting phosphors over conventional fluorescent reporters include greater multiplexing, no autofluorescence background, no photobleaching, and excitation by a compact laser source. We modified and optimized a commercial flow cytometer for upconversion detection, and we evaluated system performance in a sandwich assay format, using magnetic bead capture surfaces for small antigen detection. Preliminary results using mouse IgG targets show sensitivities at the ng/mL level using a 25 mu L sample volume and a total analysis time of several minutes. Efforts to improve the sensitivity to a variety of small antigen targets and to demonstrate multiplexing with different phosphor compositions will be discussed along with efforts to develop a compact upconverting flow cytometer for field applications.

Eight normal cadaveric knee specimens were used to evaluate the effects of femoral and tibial tunnel positions on length excursions of a single wire and bone-patellar tendon-bone graft as measured by an isometer. Femoral attachment sites were varied by using a commercially available femoral pin guide with either a 5.5- or 7.0-mm offset and by aiming with the guide oriented vertically (12:00 notch position) or rotating 45 degrees toward the lateral condyle (1:30 or 10:30 notch position depending on right or left knee). Tibial isometry was altered by testing the wire against the posterior tunnel wall or 5-mm anterior using a custom centering device. Isometry was measured from 0 degrees to 120 degrees for each position tested. A 7-mm offset guide rotated to the 12:00 position yielded the best single fiber and graft excursion patterns (P < .05). A 5.5-mm offset guide yielded inferior single fiber and graft excursion patterns. Single fiber and graft isometry were found to be similar, but not identical in endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Centering the single fiber in the tibial tunnel had little effect on excursion patterns, showing that the more posterior tibial positions needed for endoscopic reconstruction are acceptable from an isometry standpoint.

HISTORY - A 39 year old man twisted his right knee and fell to the ground while standing next to a ski rack after a day of skiing. He reported feeling right knee pain and self referred to the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Clinic for evaluation. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION - On initial examination he was tender and had swelling over the anterior portion of the lateral tibial metaphysis. Right at the anterior joint line maximal tenderness was observed. He had mild medial collateral ligament tenderness and mild pain with valgus stress, but no laxity. Lachman's test was negative with solid end point. Anterior drawer, Posterior drawer and Pivot shift tests were also negative. There was no pain with hyperextension and no intra-articular effusion. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Anterior cruciate ligament tear Posterior cruciate ligament tear Chondral injuries with fracture Meniscus tear Lateral capsular avulsion fracture Medial collateral ligament tear TEST AND RESULTS: CLINICAL RADIOGRAPHS: Right knee anterior-posterior, lateral, sunrise and tunnel views: early mild degenerative changes (tricompartmental) lateral capsular avulsion fracture (Segond's lesion) Right knee MRI: Patellofemoral chondromalacia Posterior horn medial meniscus tear FINAL/WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Lateral capsular avulsion fracture without ACL tear Posterior horn meniscus tear TREATMENT: Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and patellofemoral chondroplasty

We describe an integrated detection system based on upconverting phosphor particles bound to capture sites on the inside surfaces of rectangular wide capillaries. This device can be used with either antibody or nucleic acid to detect specific microorganisms. The system uses a high-power, 980 nm, semiconductor diode laser to illuminate 200 x 300 x 20 mu m capture surfaces. The rectangular capillary wicks are held in a tray that is inserted into the detection system, positioning the capture surface at the object plane of the optical system. Phosphorescent light emitted from the capture surface-is collected by a high numerical aperture microscope objective, and directed through a series of filters onto either a CCD camera or a photomultiplier. A combination of band-reject fillers attenuates the 980 nm laser excitation light and its harmonic at 490 nm, and a tunable liquid crystal filter provides for rapid scanning from 400 to 750 nm. The data acquisition and control is controlled by a laptop PC with a custom GUI interface developed using LabWindows/CVL. The system earn detect a single phosphor particle bound to a capture surface.

Short wave infrared (SWIR) devices have been fabricated using Rockwell’s double layer planar heterostructure (DLPH) architecture with arsenic-ion implanted junctions. Molecular beam epitaxially grown HgCdTe/CdZnTe multilayer structures allowed the thin, tailored device geometries (typical active layer thickness was ∼3.5 µm and cap layer thickness was ∼0.4 µm) to be grown. A planar-mesa geometry that preserved the passivation advantages of the DLPH structure with enhanced optical collection improved the performance. Test detectors showed Band 7 detectors performing near the radiative limit (∼3-5X below theory). Band 5 detector performance was ∼4-50X lower than radiative limited performance, apparently due to Shockley-Hall-Read recombination. We have fabricated SWIR HgCdTe 256 × 12 × 2 arrays of 45 um × 45 µm detector on 45 µm × 60 µm centers and with cutoff wavelength which allows coverage of the Landsat Band 5 (1.5−1.75 µm) and Landsat Band 7 (2.08−2.35 µm) spectral regions. The hybridizable arrays have four subarrays, each having a different detector architecture. One of the Band 7 hybrids has demonstrated performance approaching the radiative theoretical limit for temperatures from 250 to 295K, consistent with test results. D* performance at 250K of the best subarray was high, with an operability of ∼99% at 10 12 cm Hz 1/2 /W at a few mV bias. We have observed 1/f noise below 8E-17 AHz 1/2 at 1 Hz. Also for Band 7 test structures, Ge thin film diffractive microlenses fabricated directly on the back side of the CdZnTe substrate showed the ability to increase the effective collection area of small (nominally <20 µm µm) planar-mesa diodes to the microlens size of 48 urn. Using microlenses allows array performance to exceed 1-D theory up to a factor of 5.

Water trees were grown in polyethylene submerged in a silver nitrate solution. Treed regions were then examined with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy. These water trees provided the basis for improved TEM resolution due to the formation of electron dense silver-rich particles in the treed region. The results show water trees to be composed of individual and discrete entities and do not support the theory of interconnecting channels. The possible presence of interconnecting 'chemical' pathways can not be ruled out. The decomposition of the silver nitrate to metallic silver particles suggests the necessity for increased electron density in the treed region.

We have fabricated single-frequency diode lasers from a number of III-V semiconducting compounds. These diode lasers were specifically designed for laser absorption spectroscopy. Their emission wavelengths span the internal of 0.76 to 2.7 micrometers . Water vapor, CO, CO2, NH3, CH4 HF, and O2 have been detected using them. After a brief review of their physical structure and principles of operation, we present representative output characteristics of these lasers, along with a discussion of several important applications.

An explosives detection instrument was designed and tested at SRI International. The instrument uses frequency modulation spectroscopy with midinfrared lead-salt diode lasers to perform high-sensitivity detection of characteristic nitrogen-containing decomposition products of explosives. Ultimately, the instrument should be capable of detecting and identifying subpicogram levels of plastic explosives, which would be suitable for screening passengers at airports. Using the laboratory breadboard instrument and two different explosive vapor generators, we demonstrated a lower limit of detection of 5-10 pg for cyclotrimethylene trinitramine and linearity of the signal over an order of magnitude.