Mid-wavelength infrared detectors and focal plane array based on n-type InAs/InAsSb type-II strained layer superlattice absorbers have achieved excellent performance. In the long and very long wavelength infrared, however, n-type InAs/InAsSb type-II strained layer superlattice detectors are limited by their relatively small absorption coefficients and short growth-direction hole diffusion lengths, and consequently have only been able to achieve modest level of quantum efficiency. The authors present an overview of their progress in exploring complementary barrier infrared detectors that contain p-type InAs/InAsSb type-II strained layer superlattice absorbers for quantum efficiency enhancement. The authors describe some representative results, and also provide additional references for more in-depth discussions. Results on InAs/InAsSb type-II strained layer superlattice focal plane arrays for potential NASA applications are also briefly discussed.

The hyperspectral thermal imaging instrument for technology demonstration funded by NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office under the In-Space Validation of Earth Science Technologies program requires focal plane array with reasonably good performance at a low cost. The instrument is designed to fit in a 6U CubeSat platform for a low-Earth orbit. It will collect data on hydrological parameters and Earth surface temperature for agricultural remote sensing. The long wavelength infrared type-II strain layer superlattices barrier infrared detector focal plane array is chosen for this mission. With the driving requirement dictated by the power consumption of the cryocooler and signal-noise-ratio, cut-off wavelengths and dark current are utilized to model instrument operating temperature. Many focal plane arrays are fabricated and characterised, and the best performing focal plane array that fulfils the requirements is selected. The spectral band, dark current and 8–9.4 m pass band quantum efficiency of the candidate focal plane array are: 8–10.7 m, 2.1∙10−5 A/cm2, and 47%, respectively. The corresponding noise equivalent difference temperature and operability are 30 mK and 99.7%, respectively. Anti-reflective coating is deposited on the focal plane array surface to enhance the quantum efficiency and to reduce the interference pattern due to an absorption layer parallel surfaces cladding material.