Keywords

Infrared Detection, uncooled detectors, graphene, phase change materials

Abstract

Detecting long wave infrared (LWIR) light at room temperature has posed a persistent challenge due to the low energy of photons. The pursuit of an affordable, high-performance LWIR camera capable of room temperature detection has spanned several decades. In the realm of contemporary LWIR detectors, they can be broadly classified into two categories: cooled and uncooled detectors. Cooled detectors, such as MCT detectors, excel in terms of high detectivity and fast response times. However, their reliance on cryogenic cooling significantly escalates their cost and restricts their practical applications. In contrast, uncooled detectors, exemplified by microbolometers, are capable of functioning at room temperature and come at a relatively lower cost. Nonetheless, they exhibit somewhat lower detectivity and slower response times. Within the scope of this work, I will showcase two innovative approaches aimed at advancing the next generation of LWIR detectors. These approaches are designed to offer high detectivity, swift response times, and room temperature operation. The first approach involves harnessing Dirac plasmon and the Seebeck effect in graphene to create a photo-thermoelectric detector. In addition, I will introduce the application of scanning near-field microscopy for revealing the plasmons generated in graphene, employing both imaging and spectroscopy techniques. The second approach entails the use of an oscillating circuit integrated with phase change materials and the modulation of frequency induced by infrared illumination to achieve LWIR detection. Finally, I will present the progress made in integrating graphene-based detectors in this work onto readout circuits to enable the development of dense pixel focal plane array.

Completion Date

2023

Semester

Fall

Committee Chair

Chanda, Debashis

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Physics

Degree Program

Physics

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

DP0028037

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0028037

Language

English

Release Date

December 2023

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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Included in

Physics Commons

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