Project description
Boosting Europe’s infrared detection technologies for Earth observation and space
Large infrared imagers are critical for Earth observation and astronomy, providing higher-resolution images combined with crucial information like object temperature or chemical composition thanks to spectroscopy. Europe currently produces 1-megapixel detectors but needs to develop 4-megapixel detectors for future missions. The EU-funded ASTEROID project aims to make Europe self-reliant when it comes to large infrared detector technology. To this end, researchers will seek to grow very large mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) detection layers on cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) substrates and use large silicon readout integrated circuits for data processing. ASTEROID is expected to develop the building blocks for large infrared detectors and assess the performances obtained. Ultimately, by fine-tuning HgCdTe layer composition, researchers can cover the entire range of required infrared wavelengths.
Objective
Large infrared (IR) imagers in the NIR to VLWIR wavelength ranges are critical requirements for Earth observation, and Science and Astronomy missions. They provide information not available in the visible wavelength range like, for example, object temperature or chemical composition.
The technology available in Europe today allows for detectors with around 1 Mega pixel to be manufactured. It is not able to produce the 4 Megapixel detectors necessary for future missions.
Europe needs to become non-dependent for the procurement of these types of detectors.
It is the goal of ASTEROID to develop the technology that will make Europe non-dependent for large IR detectors. The technology to be developed is based on HgCdTe detection layers grown on CdZnTe substrates and on large dimensions Si Read Out Integrated Circuits (ROIC). By adjusting its composition, the use of HgCdTe detection layers makes it possible to address all the wavelengths required, from visible to VLWIR wavelengths.
ASTEROID will use the contributions from 6 partners in 5 different fields to develop the building blocks for large IR detectors:
• ROIC processing: EVG and Sofradir
• HgCdTe and CdZnTe processing: CEA-LETI and Sofradir
• Hybridization of the ROIC and detection layers: Sofradir
• Thermo-Mechanical Modeling: ADDL
• Electro-optic and connectivity characterization: IFAE and CEA-IRFU
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.
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Keywords
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.2.1.6. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Space Main Programme
- H2020-EU.2.1.6.2. - Enabling advances in space technology
- H2020-EU.2.1.6.1.1. - Safeguard and further develop a competitive, sustainable and entrepreneurial space industry and research community and strengthen European non-dependence in space systems
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
91120 Palaiseau
France