DETECTOR ARRAY FOR LOW PHOTON APPLICATIONS IN THE 6-10 UM WAVELENGTH RANGE - EXPRO+

Objective: To manufacture a detector with sensitivity up to 10 um wavelength and perform its detailed performance assessment at operating temperatures down to 40 K.Description: The Near Earth Object Mission in the Infra-Red (NEOMIR hereafter) aims to overcome most of the issues encountered previously with respect to NEO (Near Earth Object) detection by regularly scanning an area not accessible by ground or other space-based NEO surveys. NEOMIR will be capable of detecting and characterizing new NEOs and - in the worst case of an imminent impactor - serve as an early warning system. The noise contribution from the detector and instrument on NEOMIR must be minimised to ensure the signal from small or distant NEOs is not lost into the background noise. These requirements drive the detector's operating temperature down towards 40 K and necessitate careful engineering of its detection layer. Within this activity,test samples of suitable detection layers will be manufactured and hybridised to readout circuits. These will be characterised downto 40 K operating temperature, assessing their performance in conditions close to those expected in NEOMIR. Where applicable, the characterisation will provide statistics on the spatial and temporal variability of device performance parameters including quantum efficiency, dark current, linearity and crosstalk. The measured performance will be provided to inform mission-level performance simulations and planning of calibration routines. This activity encompasses the following tasks: - Prototype device design and manufacturing. - Test planning and test system design. - Test system assembly and commissioning. - Test campaign. - Performance assessment and conclusionsDeliverables: Prototype, ReportProcurement Policy: C(2) = A relevant participation (in terms of quality and quantity)of non-primes (incl. SMEs) is required. For additional information please go to:http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Small_and_Medium_Sized_Enterprises/Opportunities_for_SMEs/Procurement_policy_on_fair_access_for_SMEs_-_the_C1-C4_Clauses