Modeling and Characterization of MTF and Spectral Response at Small Pitch on Mercury Cadmium Telluride

Space applications are challenging infrared (IR) technologies, demanding the best system performance achievable. This requires covering the entire IR spectrum from short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) to very long-wavelength infrared (VLWIR) for various pixel sizes, which is possible thanks to a well-mastered mercury cadmium telluride technology. Because of its adjustable gap, it can be operated in all the IR bands. Nevertheless, technology optimization requires deep understanding of physical mechanisms. This paper presents computations by finite-element modeling of two aspects of electrooptical performance: spectral response and modulation transfer function (MTF). Computations and characterizations for all IR bands demonstrate the accuracy of our simulations and the state-of-the-art nature of our technology, which performs according to theory. This paper also highlights the capability to measure MTF at very small pitch (10 mu m) by a nondestructive method.