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| PROPOSAL NUMBER: |
07-I S1.05-9011
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| SUBTOPIC TITLE: |
Detector Technologies for UV, X-Ray, Gamma-Ray and Cosmic-Ray
Instruments
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| PROPOSAL TITLE: |
SiC Avalanche Photodiodes and Arrays |
SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN: (Firm Name, Mail Address,
City/State/ZIP, Phone)
Aymont Technology, Inc.
27 Kent Street, Suite 105A
Ballston Spa, NY 12020-1543
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER: (Name, E-mail,
Mail Address, City/State/ZIP, Phone)
Larry Rowland
rowland@aymont.com
27 Kent Street, Suite 105A
Ballston Spa, NY 12020-1543
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Aymont Technology, Inc. (Aymont) will demonstrate the feasibility of SiC p-i-n
avalanche photodiodes (APD) arrays. Aymont will demonstrate 4 x 4 arrays of 2
mm2 APDs for visible-blind high-sensitivity UV detection. These arrays will
exhibit high gain (10^6), high quantum efficiency (peak < 50%), and high speed
(). They will demonstrate scalability, allowing for larger arrays (20 x 20) in
Phase 2. They will give nearly 2x the quantum efficiency of other solid state
solutions such as Si at UV wavelengths.
POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATION(S) (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
High-sensitivity, large-area ultraviolet light detection is essential for
detection of species that may indicate presence of organic processes such as
sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, ozone, and
nitrogen oxides. Better, higher resolution ultraviolet detection than currently
available is necessary for future missions. Arrays of SiC APDs will meet the
imaging and analysis needs of TPF and subsequent possible missions such as Life
Finder and the Large UV/Optical Telescope over the next two decades. Specific
NASA missions using near ultraviolet detectors include Terrestrial Planet
Finder, and NASA's Astronomical Search for Origins program. These missions
require exceptional sensitivity for species detectable in the UV that may
indicate organic processes, the presence of water, or perhaps life. These
species include sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl
radicals, ozone, and nitrogen oxides.
POTENTIAL NON-NASA APPLICATION(S) (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The SiC APD arrays can be used for flame sensing, environmental monitoring,
biodetection, gamma detection in combination with appropriate scintillator
crystals for oil-well drilling and radiation detection applications, and other
applications currently covered by photomultiplier tubes (PMT). Achievement of
performance comparable to or better than PMTs without need for high supply
voltages (1000V), at smaller size and weight, at faster speeds, and at lower
component cost will allow these APDs to replace PMTs in many commercial
applications.
TECHNOLOGY TAXONOMY MAPPING
Optical
Semi-Conductors/Solid State Device Materials
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