A specially designed barrier (B) is inserted at the n-pi junction [where most G-R (generation-recombination) processes take place] in the standard n-pi-p structure to substantially reduce generation-recombination dark currents. The resulting n-B-pi-p structure also has reduced tunneling dark currents, thereby solving some of the limitations to which current type II strained layer superlattice infrared detectors are prone. This innovation is compatible with common read-out integrated circuits (ROICs).

This work was done by David Z. Ting, Sumith V. Bandara, Cory J. Hill, and Sarath D. Gunapala of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:

Innovative Technology Assets Management JPL Mail Stop 202-233 4800 Oak Grove Drive Pasadena, CA 91109-8099

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Refer to NPO-46171, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.