High Efficiency UV/Optical/NIR Detectors for Large Aperture Telescopes and UV Explorer Missions: Development of and Field Observations with Delta-doped Arrays

TL;DR

This paper reports on the development and field testing of delta-doped silicon detector arrays that enable high-efficiency UV/Optical/NIR detection for large telescopes and space missions, emphasizing technological advancements and practical deployments.

Contribution

It introduces high-throughput wafer-scale delta-doping technology for silicon detectors, along with innovations in coatings and processing, supporting upcoming space and astronomical missions.

Findings

Successful field observations and deployments of delta-doped arrays

High-yield wafer-scale processing achieved for detector fabrication

Enhanced detector performance with advanced coatings

Abstract

A number of exciting concepts are under development for Flagship, Probe class, Explorer class, and Suborbital class NASA missions in the ultraviolet/optical spectral ranges. These missions will depend on high performance silicon detector arrays being delivered affordably and in high numbers. In a focused effort we have advanced delta-doping technology to high throughput and high yield wafer-scale processing, encompassing a multitude of state-of-the-art silicon-based detector formats and designs. As part of this technology advancement and in preparation for upcoming missions, we have embarked on a number of field observations, instrument integrations, and independent evaluations of delta-doped arrays. In this paper, we present recent data and innovations from the Advanced Detectors and Systems program at JPL, including two-dimensional doping technology; our end-to-end post-fabrication processing of high performance UV/Optical/NIR arrays; and advanced coatings for detectors and optical elements. Additionally, we present examples of past, in-progress, and planned observations and deployments of delta-doped arrays.