NIR, MWIR and LWIR quantum well infrared photodetector using interband and intersubband transitions

This paper presents the design, fabrication and characterization of a QWIP photodetector capable of detecting simultaneously infrared radiation within near infrared (NIR), mid wavelength infrared (MWIR) and long wavelength infrared (LWIR). The NIR detection was achieved using interband transition while MWIR and LWIR were based on intersubband transition in the conduction band. The quantum well structure was designed using a computational tool developed to solve self-consistently the Schrödinger–Poisson equation with the help of the shooting method. Intersubband absorption in the sample was measured for the MWIR and LWIR using Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR) and the measured peak positions were found at 5.3 μm and 8.7 μm which agree well with the theoretical values obtained 5.0 μm and 9.0 μm for the two infrared bands which indicates the accuracy of the self-consistent model. The photodetectors were fabricated using a standard photolithography process with exposed middle contacts to allow separate bias and readout of signals from the three wavelength bands. The measured photoresponse gave three peaks at 0.84 μm, 5.0 μm and 8.5 μm wavelengths with approximately 0.5 A/W, 0.03 A/W and 0.13 A/W peak responsivities for NIR, MWIR and LWIR bands, respectively. This work demonstrates the possibility of detection of widely separated wavelength bands using interband and intersubband transitions in quantum wells.     

Performance of the infrared microspectroscopy station at SSRF

At the third generation synchrotron light source Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF), the first infrared beamline BL01B has been successfully constructed. The infrared beamline collects both bending magnet and edge radiation. A brief introduction of the infrared beamline design has been given in this article. The infrared microspectroscopy station is equipped with a Nicolet 6700 FTIR spectrometer and a Nicolet Continuum Microscope. The flux at the entrance of the FTIR spectrometer, the intensity profile, the signal to noise ratio (SNR) with different apertures, and the focused spot size of the infrared microspectroscopy station have been measured. The performances with synchrotron radiation infrared source and internal globar source have been compared. The results indicate that the infrared microspectroscopy station at SSRF has the ability of analysis samples in a small area with diffraction limited spatial resolution.     

New infrared undulator beamline at FLASH

At the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) free electron laser in Hamburg (FLASH) an infrared (IR) beamline is being built to allow novel pump-and-probe experiments combining coherent IR pulses with the FEL radiation in the VUV spectral range. It will provide useful IR radiation generated by a purpose built undulator over the wavelength range from 200 μm to 10 μm and possibly even shorter. The commissioning of the beamline has started this summer and first light will be delivered to the experimental hall by autumn 2007. Another important application of the beamline will be electron diagnostics of the longitudinal charge distribution of the electron bunches.     

Liquid-helium cooled scanning far-infrared Fabry-Perot interferometer for astronomical observations with a balloon-borne telescope

We have developed a new liquid-helium cooled far-infrared Fabry-Perot interferometer (SFP) with high spectral resolution which will be incorporated and flown with our balloon-borne far-infrared 60 cm φ telescope FIT-FIT. This telescope has been built and already flown with other radiometric equipment in collaboration with the Geneva Observatory. The new spectrometer is designed to measure astronomical emission lines between 140 and 220 μm wavelength. Of special interest are the [NII]-line at 205 μm as well as the [CII]-line at 158 μm. In order to achieve high sensitivity we had to minimize the thermal radiation from the interferometer and its optics. For this reason all optics, including the scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer SFP, are liquid-helium cooled. This paper describes special new features of the design, operation, and test of its performance at liquid-helium temperature with optically pumped far-infrared gas lasers.     

CIRCE: a dedicated storage ring for coherent THz synchrotron radiation

We present the concepts for an electron storage ring dedicated to and optimized for the production of stable coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) over the far-infrared terahertz wavelength range from 200 μm to about 1 cm. CIRCE (Coherent InfraRed CEnter) will be a 66 m circumference ring located on top of the ALS booster synchrotron shielding tunnel and using the existing ALS injector. This location provides enough floor space for both the CIRCE ring, its required shielding, and numerous beamlines. We briefly outline a model for CSR emission in which a static bunch distortion induced by the synchrotron radiation field is used to significantly extend the stable CSR emission towards higher frequencies. This model has been verified with experimental CSR results. We present the calculated CIRCE photon flux where a gain of 6–9 orders of magnitude is shown compared to existing far-IR sources. Additionally, the particular design of the dipole vacuum chamber has been optimized to allow an excellent transmission of these far-infrared wavelengths. We believe that the CIRCE source can be constructed for a modest cost.     

Radiative properties of cirrus clouds in the infrared (8–13 μm) spectral region

Atmospheric radiation in the infrared (IR) 8–13 μm spectral region contains a wealth of information that is very useful for the retrieval of ice cloud properties from aircraft or space-borne measurements. To provide the scattering and absorption properties of nonspherical ice crystals that are fundamental to the IR retrieval implementation, we use the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method to solve for the extinction efficiency, single-scattering albedo, and the asymmetry parameter of the phase function for ice crystals smaller than 40 μm. For particles larger than this size, the improved geometric optics method (IGOM) can be employed to calculate the asymmetry parameter with an acceptable accuracy, provided that we properly account for the inhomogeneity of the refracted wave due to strong absorption inside the ice particle. A combination of the results computed from the two methods provides the asymmetry parameter for the entire practical range of particle sizes between 1 and 10,000 μm over the wavelengths ranging from 8 to 13 μm. For the extinction and absorption efficiency calculations, several methods including the IGOM, Mie solution for equivalent spheres (MSFES), and the anomalous diffraction theory (ADT) can lead to a substantial discontinuity in comparison with the FDTD solutions for particle sizes on the order of 40 μm. To overcome this difficulty, we have developed a novel approach called the stretched scattering potential method (SSPM). For the IR 8–13 μm spectral region, we show that SSPM is a more accurate approximation than ADT, MSFES, and IGOM. The SSPM solution can be further refined numerically. Through a combination of the FDTD and SSPM, the extinction and absorption efficiencies are computed for hexagonal ice crystals with sizes ranging from 1 to 10,000 μm at 12 wavelengths between 8 and 13 μm.

Calculations of the cirrus bulk scattering and absorption properties are performed for 30 size distributions obtained from various field campaigns for midlatitude and tropical cirrus cloud systems. Ice crystals are assumed to be hexagonal columns randomly oriented in space. The bulk scattering properties are parameterized through the use of second-order polynomial functions for the extinction efficiency and the single-scattering albedo and a power-law expression for the asymmetry parameter. We note that the volume-normalized extinction coefficient can be separated into two parts: one is inversely proportional to effective size and is independent of wavelength, and the other is the wavelength-dependent effective extinction efficiency. Unlike conventional parameterization efforts, the present parameterization scheme is more accurate because only the latter part of the volume-normalized extinction coefficient is approximated in terms of an analytical expression. After averaging over size distribution, the single-scattering albedo is shown to decrease with an increase in effective size for wavelengths shorter than 10.0 μm whereas the opposite behavior is observed for longer wavelengths. The variation of the asymmetry parameter as a function of effective size is substantial when the effective size is smaller than 50 μm. For effective sizes larger than 100 μm, the asymmetry parameter approaches its asymptotic value. The results derived in this study can be useful to remote sensing studies of ice clouds involving IR window bands.     

Broad band infrared near-field spectroscopy at finger print region using SPring-8

The authors report infrared near-field spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation at BL43IR, SPring-8 in the finger print region. At the microspectroscopy station, the infrared synchrotron radiation beam is focused on a cantilever probe with a 3 μm square aperture. A comb-shaped Au electrode with the width of 3 μm and the distance of 3 μm is used for the reflection measurement. The Au electrodes can be resolved at 650 cm⁻¹ and the resolution is estimated to be λ/5.     

Intercomparison of radiation measurements on STS-63

A joint NASA Russia study of the radiation environment inside the Space Shuttle was performed on STS-63. This was the second flight under the Shuttle-Mir Science Program (Phase 1). The Shuttle was launched on 2 February 1995, in a 51.65° inclination orbit and landed at Kennedy Space Center on 11 February 1995, for a total flight duration of 8.27 days. The Shuttle carried a complement of both passive and active detectors distributed throughout the Shuttle volume. The crew exposure varied from 1962 to 2790 μGy with an average of 2265.8 μGy or 273.98 μGy/day. Crew exposures varied by a factor of 1.4, which is higher than usual for STS mission. The flight altitude varied from 314 to 395 km and provided a unique opportunity to obtain dose variation with altitude. Measurements of the average east-west dose variation were made using two active solid state detectors. The dose rate in the Spacehab locker, measured using a tissue equivalent proportional counter (TEPC), was 413.3 μGy/day, consistent with measurements made using thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) in the same locker. The average quality factor was 2.33, and although it was higher than model calculations, it was consistent with values derived from high temperature peaks in TLDs. The dose rate due to galactic cosmic radiation was 110.6 μGy/day and agreed with model calculations. The dose rate from trapped particles was 302.7 μGy/day, nearly a factor of 2 lower than the prediction of the AP8 model. The neutrons in the intermediate energy range of 1–20 MeV contributed 13 μGy/day and 156 μSv/day, respectively. Analysis of data from the charged particle spectrometer has not yet been completed.     

Infrared absorption cross sections for propane (C3H8) in the 3 μm region

Infrared absorption cross sections for propane have been measured in the 3 μm spectral region from spectra recorded using a high-resolution FTIR spectrometer (Bruker IFS 125 HR). The spectra of mixtures of propane with dry synthetic air were recorded at 0.015 cm⁻¹ resolution (calculated as 0.9/MOPD using the Bruker definition of resolution), at a number of temperatures and pressures appropriate for atmospheric conditions. Intensities were calibrated using two propane spectra (recorded at 278 and 293 K) taken from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) IR database.     

Type-II InAs/GaSb superlattices for very long wavelength infrared detectors

Type-II superlattices (SLs) can be designed for semiconductor band gaps as large as 400 meV down to semimetallic. This flexibility in design makes them an excellent candidate for infrared photodiodes with cut-off wavelengths beyond 15 μm. There are relatively few options for high-performance infrared detectors to cover wavelengths longer than 15 μm, especially for operating temperatures above 15 K. In the past few years, excellent results have been obtained on photoconductive and photodiode samples designed for infrared detection in the very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR) range (λ>15 μm). There is a variety of possible designs for these SLs which will produce the same narrow band gap by adjusting individual layer thicknesses, or indium content, in the InGaSb layer. Several of these different design options have been grown and characterized. These designs often require monolayer control per layer over hundreds of repeats in the SL. Photoresponse spectra for type-II SLs are compared to show how the design choices not only change the band gap but also the band structure, as reflected in features observed in the spectra. Theoretical modeling results are used to interpret the photoresponse spectra. SLs with cut-off wavelengths ranging from 15 to 25 μm are covered.     

MBE grown type-II MWIR and LWIR superlattice photodiodes

We report on the status of GaSb/InAs type-II superlattice diodes grown and fabricated at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory designed for infrared absorption 2–5 μm and 8–12 μm bands. Recent LWIR devices have produced detectivities as high as 8 × 10¹⁰ Jones with a differential resistance–area product greater than 6 Ohm cm² at 80 K with a long wavelength cutoff of approximately 12 μm. The measured internal quantum efficiency of these front-side illuminated devices is close to 30% in the 10–11 μm range. MWIR devices have produced detectivities as high as 8 × 10¹³ Jones with a differential resistance–area product greater than 3 × 10⁷ Ohm cm² at 80 K with a long wavelength cutoff of approximately 3.7 μm. The measured internal quantum efficiency of these front-side illuminated MWIR devices is close to 40% in the 2–3 μm range at low temperature and increases to over 60% near room temperature.     

Calculation of Transmitted Efficiency and Output Characteristics for Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF) 3B3 Beamline

Based on the radiation characteristics of the bend magnet source, the output characteristics of the BSRF-3B3 beamline was analyzed and discussed. The result is the foundation of adjustment and diagnosis of the beamline. A calculation model is provided to analyze characteristics of beamlines attached to bend magnet sources.     

High-pressure far-infrared measurements at SINBAD

First results from the SINBAD beam line at DAΦNE are reported. The SR brilliance, as measured in the far infrared at the sample position, has been compared with the one of the mercury lamp. For λ=100 μm and through an aperture of 1 mm, the gain in intensity is larger than 20. The high brilliance of the synchrotron radiation in the far-infrared is fully exploited by high-pressure experiments. Preliminary experiments with a diamond-anvil cell in the 10 GPa range are reported.     

北京同步辐射装置3B3光束线传输效率及输出特性的计算

从北京正负电子对撞机储存环弯转磁铁光源的辐射特性入手, 分析了BSRF-3B3光源及其光束线光学系统的输出特性, 分别给出各光学元件的传输效率和采用不同单色器晶体在样品处的计算结果. 为光束线设计、调试及诊断提供了理论依据. 同时也为弯转磁铁光源光束线的输出特性的计算, 提供了一个模式.     

Advantages of a synchrotron bending magnet as the sample illuminator for a wide‐field X‐ray microscope

In this paper the choice between bending magnets and insertion devices as sample illuminators for a hard X‐ray full‐field microscope is investigated. An optimized bending‐magnet beamline design is presented. Its imaging speed is very competitive with the performance of similar microscopes installed currently at insertion‐device beamlines. The fact that imaging X‐ray microscopes can accept a large phase space makes them very well suited to the output characteristics of bending magnets which are often a plentiful and paid‐for resource. There exist opportunities at all synchrotron light sources to take advantage of this finding to build bending‐magnet beamlines that are dedicated to transmission X‐ray microscope facilities. It is expected that demand for such facilities will increase as three‐dimensional tomography becomes routine and advanced techniques such as mosaic tomography and XANES tomography (taking three‐dimensional tomograms at different energies to highlight elemental and chemical differences) become more widespread.     

红外光谱在中药定性定量分析中的应用

红外光谱灵敏度高、操作简便、谱带的专属性强,特别适合于中药材的无损快速鉴别和定量分析,它正在成为中药质量控制方面的一种有效手段。文章综述了红外光谱在中药定性和定量研究中的应用现状,对红外光谱在中药材(同一药材不同部位,不同产地、品种的同种中药材,易混淆、真伪中药材等)和中成药(中药配方颗粒和注射剂等)的鉴别分析与有效成分含量测定等方面的应用进行了详细评述。随着傅里叶变换红外光谱和计算机技术的不断发展,它必将在中国中药的现代化和国际化道路上起到关键作用。     

Burning and radiance properties of red phosphorus in Magnesium/PTFE/Viton (MTV)-based compositions

Red phosphorus (RP) a highly efficient smoke-producing agent. In this study different contents of RP are added into the Magnesium/PTFE/Viton (MTV)-based composition, with the aim of investigating the influence of RP on the burning and radiance properties of MTV-based composition by using a high-temperature differential thermobalance method, a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) remote-sensing spectrometer, a FTIR Spectrometer and a far-infrared thermal imager. The results show that RP improves the initial reaction temperature and reduces the mass burning rate by 0.1–0.17 g·s⁻¹ (34–59%). The addition of RP has no obvious effect on the burning temperature and far-infrared radiation brightness, but the radiating area raises substantially (by 141%), and thus improves the radiation intensity (by 155%).     

The impact of synchrotron radiation in protein crystallography

The Pohang Light Source (PLS) at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL) is a third-generation light source, the only synchrotron radiation facility in Korea, and the fifth machine of its kind in the world (see Figure 1). In 1988, PAL was organized for the construction of the PLS. Ground-breaking was celebrated in 1991, and PLS construction was completed in 1994. In 1995, the PLS opened two beamlines to public users. The PLS was initially operated at 2.0 GeV in 1995. Since 2002, the energy of the electron beam has been upgraded to 2.5 GeV (see Table 1 for the principal parameters of PLS). Remarkable increases in the number of beamlines, users, and scientific results have been achieved since the opening of the PLS in 1995. Two or three beamlines have been added each year for the past 15 years, and as of February 2009 we have in total 27 beamlines in operation and 3 beamlines under construction, which will be completed by the end of 2009 (Figures 2 and 3).     

Infrared absorption cross sections for acetone (propanone) in the 3 μm region

Infrared absorption cross sections for acetone (propanone), CH₃C(O)CH₃, have been determined in the 3 μm spectral region from spectra recorded using a high-resolution FTIR spectrometer (Bruker IFS 125 HR) and a multipass cell with a maximum optical path length of 19.3 m. The spectra of mixtures of acetone with dry synthetic air were recorded at 0.015 cm⁻¹ resolution (calculated as 0.9/MOPD using the Bruker definition of resolution) at a number of temperatures and pressures (50-760 Torr and 195-296 K) appropriate for atmospheric conditions. Intensities were calibrated using three acetone spectra (recorded at 278, 293 and 323 K) taken from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) IR database.     

Infrared absorption cross sections for ethane (C2H6) in the 3 μm region

Infrared absorption cross sections for ethane have been measured in the 3 μm spectral region from spectra recorded using a high-resolution FTIR spectrometer (Bruker IFS 125/HR). Results are presented for pure ethane gas from spectra recorded at 0.004 cm⁻¹ resolution and for mixtures with dry synthetic air from spectra obtained at 0.015 cm⁻¹ resolution (calculated as 0.9/MOPD using the Bruker definition of resolution), at a number of temperatures and pressures appropriate for atmospheric conditions. Intensities were calibrated using three ethane spectra (recorded at 278, 293, and 323 K) taken from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) IR database.