Extended blue GaAs image intensifiers

Timothy W. Sinor; Joseph P. Estrera; David L. Phillips; M. K. Rector

doi:10.1117/12.218624

8 September 1995 Extended blue GaAs image intensifiers

Timothy W. Sinor, Joseph P. Estrera, David L. Phillips, M. K. Rector

Proceedings Volume 2551, Photoelectronic Detectors, Cameras, and Systems; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.218624
Event: SPIE's 1995 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1995, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Generation III image intensifiers use an aluminum gallium arsenide/gallium arsenide (AlGaAs/GaAs) heterostructure photocathode that typically sensitive to light in the wavelength range of 550-900 nm. The possibility of improving the performance of Generation III night viewing devices by extending the spectral response into the blue (less than 550 nm) region of the electromagnetic spectrum has stimulated considerable interest lately. This is largely due to the fact that an increase in the blue response of the image tube significantly increases detection, recognition, and identification of targets in sandy or desert terrain. The short wavelength response of the Generation III image tube is primarily dominated by the thickness and composition of the AlGaAs window and the thickness of the GaAs active layer. In this paper, we review the role of the AlGaAs layer to the overall performance of the Gen III image tube and discuss the optical properties of the AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructure. Finally, the overall performance of blue enhanced photocathodes is discussed with data presented on sealed tubes with quantum efficiencies greater than 20% at 500 nm.

Citation Download Citation

Timothy W. Sinor, Joseph P. Estrera, David L. Phillips, and M. K. Rector "Extended blue GaAs image intensifiers", Proc. SPIE 2551, Photoelectronic Detectors, Cameras, and Systems, (8 September 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.218624

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available