K5P10-1-J2 Liquid Nitrogen-Cooled Dual-Band Infrared Detector (InSb/MCT Hybrid)

Overview

The K5P10-1-J2 is a liquid nitrogen-cooled, dual-color infrared detector engineered for high-sensitivity, simultaneous spectral band discrimination in mid- to long-wave infrared (MWIR–LWIR) applications. It integrates two monolithically aligned photodetectors on a single substrate: a top-layer 1 mm × 1 mm indium antimonide (InSb) photodiode optimized for the 3–5 µm atmospheric window, and a bottom-layer mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe or MCT) photodiode with cutoff beyond 11 µm, covering the 8–12 µm LWIR band. Both detectors operate at 77 K, achieving thermal noise suppression essential for low-flux detection. The hybrid architecture enables ratio-metric signal processing—critical for temperature-independent measurements, flame characterization, gas emission monitoring, and spectral signature differentiation without mechanical filter switching. Its design conforms to fundamental radiometric principles, supporting calibrated irradiance-to-voltage conversion under controlled cryogenic conditions.

Key Features

• Liquid nitrogen cooling (77 K) ensures stable dark current (<1 nA typical), high signal-to-noise ratio, and long-term measurement reproducibility
• Monolithic InSb/MCT heterostructure with precise spatial registration (≤5 µm pixel alignment) for pixel-matched dual-band imaging and spectroscopy
• Integrated transimpedance amplifiers: 40,000 V/A for InSb (DC–1 MHz bandwidth); 10,000 V/A for MCT (DC–1 MHz bandwidth)
• Specific detectivity D* > 1.0 × 10¹¹ cm·√Hz/W (InSb, 300 K background) and > 3.0 × 10¹⁰ cm·√Hz/W (MCT, 300 K background), measured at 60° field-of-view
• Low-noise amplifier architecture with <1.5 dB noise figure (NF) across the KMPC series photoconductive variants
• Rise time ≤350 ns (KMPC series), enabling time-resolved IR transient analysis in pulsed laser or combustion diagnostics

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The K5P10-1-J2 is compatible with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, dispersive grating systems, and custom optical benches requiring cryogenic MWIR/LWIR detection. Its 1 mm × 1 mm active area supports coupling via standard C-mount or kinematic flange interfaces. The detector complies with international standards for laboratory-grade infrared instrumentation, including ISO 13406-2 (optical interface geometry), ASTM E1421 (standard practice for calibration of IR detectors), and IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions). When integrated into regulated analytical workflows—such as environmental emissions testing or pharmaceutical residual solvent analysis—the system supports audit-ready data acquisition when paired with FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant software platforms.

Software & Data Management

The detector operates as a hardware component within vendor-neutral DAQ ecosystems (e.g., National Instruments LabVIEW, MATLAB Data Acquisition Toolbox, or Python-based PyVISA frameworks). Raw analog outputs (±10 V, differential or single-ended) are digitized via external 16-bit or higher ADCs. Optional firmware-enabled gain switching and bias voltage control allow dynamic range optimization across varying irradiance levels. All amplifier models—including KA020-A1, KA-S5, and KA01-E6-AG—support GLP/GMP traceability through built-in calibration memory registers and timestamped gain configuration logs. Post-acquisition processing routines (e.g., spectral ratioing, blackbody correction, non-uniformity compensation) are implemented via open-source libraries such as SciPy and SpectroChemPy.

Applications

• Multi-spectral combustion diagnostics: Simultaneous monitoring of CO₂ (4.3 µm), H₂O (6.3 µm), and hydrocarbon signatures (3.4 µm) in engine exhaust or industrial furnaces
• Remote gas sensing: Differential absorption radiometry for CH₄, N₂O, and SF₆ using band-ratio algorithms to suppress atmospheric path variability
• Thermal imaging metrology: Calibration reference for uncooled microbolometer arrays in NIST-traceable blackbody validation setups
• FTIR hyphenated techniques: Coupling with GC-FTIR or TGA-FTIR for real-time evolved gas analysis with dual-band selectivity
• Defense & aerospace: Missile plume signature discrimination and countermeasure evaluation under variable background clutter

FAQ

What cooling method is required for optimal performance?
Liquid nitrogen (LN₂) immersion cooling to 77 K is mandatory; alternative closed-cycle coolers may be used only if they maintain base temperature stability within ±0.1 K and vibration below 50 nm RMS.
Can this detector be integrated with existing FTIR systems?
Yes—mechanical and electrical interfaces comply with standard FTIR detector bays (e.g., Bruker VERTEX, Thermo Nicolet iS50); analog output impedance matches 50 Ω or high-Z inputs depending on amplifier model selection.
Is factory calibration traceable to NIST standards?
Each unit ships with a certificate of calibration referencing NIST-traceable blackbody sources at 500 °C and 1000 °C, with spectral responsivity curves provided in ASCII format.
Are custom spectral response profiles available?
Yes—custom HgCdTe cutoff tuning (e.g., λc = 10.5 µm or 12.8 µm) and InSb anti-reflection coating optimization for specific laser lines (e.g., 3.39 µm HeNe) are offered under OEM agreements.
What amplifier options support high-speed pulsed detection?
For sub-microsecond pulse capture, the KA01-E6-AG (adjustable gain up to 10⁷ V/A, 1 MHz BW) or KA05-C1 (5 × 10⁴ V/A, 5 MHz BW) are recommended; both include programmable bias offset and DC-coupled output.