Lowering Dark Current, Defects, And Bad Pixel Counts In Imaging Detectors

Sensors Unlimited — UTC Aerospace Systems cut the ribbon on their new facility on September 17th, 2014, and Photonics Online was fortunate enough to be there for it. After a tour featuring information on their increased capabilities, clean room space, and modernized equipment, Doug Malchow spent a few minutes with us explaining how the move to a bigger and better place has already resulted in better quality imaging detectors with lower defects, lower bad pixel counts, and much lower dark current.

The new $30-million facility is a dramatic upgrade over the company’s previous location. It houses more than 100 employees and a state-of-the-art wafer fabrication area, packaging and assembly areas, and test labs. And even with more than 90,000 square feet currently in place, there’s still room for expansion to accommodate future growth.

The move won’t change Sensors Unlimited’s focus on the development of SWIR sensors, cameras, and systems for military, law enforcement, commercial, and industrial applications.  It will, however, afford them the ability to push the limits of SWIR technology further and create new technologies to help customers “see beyond the visible.”