HgCdTe APD Arrays for Astronomy: Natural Guide Star Wavefront Sensing and Space Astronomy

TL;DR

This dissertation details the development and characterization of HgCdTe APD arrays, specifically SAPHIRA, for enhanced near-infrared astronomy and space applications, including wavefront sensing and improved performance.

Contribution

It introduces advancements in HgCdTe APD array technology, improving their performance for astronomy and space science applications.

Findings

Characterized over a dozen SAPHIRA arrays

Provided feedback for next-generation array improvements

Enhanced capabilities for near-infrared astronomy

Abstract

This dissertation describes work I have conducted over five academic years 2013/14 through 2017/18 as a NASA Space Technology Research Fellow at the University of Hawai'i Institute for Astronomy. The focus has been the characterization and improvement of the Selex Avalanche Photodiode HgCdTe InfraRed Array (SAPHIRA), a 320 x 256@24um pitch metal organic vapor phase epitaxy mercury cadmium telluride array that provides new capabilities and performance for near infrared (NIR) astronomy. This has involved more than a dozen arrays, working closely with the manufacturer so as to provide feedback for improvement of the next generation.