ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-10883
Open Date: 25/06/2021 13:20 CEST
Closing Date: 31/08/2021 13:00 CEST

The objective of this activity is to develop a high performance Type-2 Super Lattice infrared detector array for future space and ground-based applications. Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) is currently one of the leading materials used in Infra Red detector arrays due to its flexibility and the high reliability of the hybridization process. Alternatives technologies are being investigated inorder to facilitate lower resource detector operation at longer wavelengths and higher temperatures. T2SL is recognized as the mostpromising alternative to MCT for 2D Long Wave infrared (LWIR) and Very Long Wave infrared (VLWIR) arrays. This material structure offers great flexibility on tailoring the bandgap (cut-off wavelength) to any desired detection wavelength in the infrared wavelengthregion. By individually varying the thickness and composition of the alternating layers in the lattice structure, detectors covering from short wave infrared (SWIR, 0.9 -1.7um) to very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR, 10.5-16 um), can be manufactured. In the context of an ESA TDE activity on the development of Low Dark Current VLWIR T2SL Infra Red detectors, proofs of low dark current and high quantum efficiency are demonstrated. This activity focus on theoptimization of the photodetector material and makes use of an off-the shelf Read-Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC). In the proposed activity, improved performance, lower cost along with better uniformity and operability are few of the potential advantages of T2SL that are going to be investigated further. More specifically, the aimis to manufacture and characterize a big format (>1Kx 1K, 10um pixel pitch) infrared detector array based upon a custom ReadOut Integrated Circuit (ROIC) that will be designed specifically for a high performanceT2SL detection layer. The custom designed ROIC shall be compatible with both MWIR and LWIR T2Sl detector layers. The activity will also make use of a European supplier for the epi growth of the T2SL wafers and compare the performance of the detectorswith the ones fabricated on commercially offered epi material. The target at the end of the activity is to provide to the space community a European T2SL Infrared Detector of high TRL and competitive to the currently available non-European products, in whichthe following tasks are necessary in order to reach the end goal:x Requirements review,x Design of the ROIC and identification of the T2SL detection layer structure,x Manufacturing of the ROIC and the T2SL layer and hybridization,x Characterization of the detector,x Recommendations on the industrialization roadmap. NOTE: This activity is currently in the GSTP Work Plan but will only be implemented after confirmation of financial support from Delegations.The final list of participating states will be known at tender issue.

Directorate: Directorate of Tech, Eng. Quality
Estabilishment: ESTEC
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: > 500 KEURO
Contracts Officer: Gian Lorenzo Casini
Initiating Service: TEC-MME
IP Measure: N/A
Prog. Reference: E/0904-611 – GSTP Element 1 Dev
Tender Type: Open Competition
Open To Tenderers From: BE+DE+GB+SE
Technology Keywords: 17-B-II-Infrared detectors. (NIR–FIR)
Products Keywords: 2-A-1.1-a-Detectors (APS, CCD, infrared detectors,…)