Infrared Imaging Using Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Based Detectors: From Design to Manufacturing

Using carbon nanotubes (CNT), we have developed high performance infrared detectors. Since the CNT has extraordinary optoelectronics properties due to its unique one dimensional geometry and structure, the CNT based infrared detectors have extremely low dark current, low noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD), high response time, and high dynamic range. Most importantly, it can detect 3-5 um middle-wave infrared (MWIR) at room temperature. This unique feature can significantly reduce the size and weight of a MWIR imaging system by eliminating a cryogenic cooling system. In this presentation, the issues related to the design and manufacturing of CNT based infrared detectors will be discussed. The theoretical foundations as well as the implementation schemes for the development of integrated nanomanufacturing systems for fabricating CNT based IR detectors will be presented. The topics will include the nano robotic tools for manipulation and assembly, nano material purification and delivering processes, as well as nano device packaging and testing. Furthermore, the design of a new CNT based IR imaging system will be presented. The experimental testing results show that the new IR imaging system can achieve the superb performance enabled by CNT based IR detectors, and, at same time, to achieve high resolution and efficient imaging.
Ning Xi received his D.Sc. degree in Systems Science and Mathematics from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, USA in December 1993. Currently, he is University Distinguished Professor and the John D. Ryder Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Director of Robotics and Automation Laboratory at Michigan State University. Dr. Xi received The Best Paper Award of IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering in 2007. He was also awarded SPIE Nano Engineering Award in 2007. Dr. Xi is a fellow of IEEE. Currently he serves as the president of IEEE Nanotechnology Council. His research interests include robotics, manufacturing automation, micro/nano manufacturing, nano sensors and devices, and intelligent control and systems.