Miniaturized Augmented Infrared Vision for Air Defense with Supply Chain Sovereignty

“Quantum Sight” project addresses the need for augmented vision realized by miniaturized image sensors that can be integrated in air defense systems. The focus is on developing a proof-of-concept infrared image sensor to address the short-wave infrared wavelength spectrum. This will be realized by monolithic integration of InAs quantum dots on top of a custom, newly designed readout integrated circuit. In the approach of coating the QD film directly on the ROIC, the pixel pitch depends only on the critical dimensions of the ROIC technology (and is not limited by hybrid integration used in incumbent technologies). Similarly, the resolution is quasi-unlimited as it is defined by the available reticle size and can be further stitched (and is not limited by die-to-wafer bonding). In this way, high-resolution / high-pixel-density imagers in a compact optical format can be realized, leading to miniaturization known from CMOS image sensors. By manufacturing the sensors on full wafers, low cost can be achieved with volume upscaling.

Partner

The project QuantumSight is financed under the DEFRA NGCAT call.