Recent developments and applications of quantum well infrared photodetector focal plane arrays

One of the simplest device realizations of the classic particle-in-the-box problem of basic quantum mechanics is the quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP). In this paper we discuss the optimization of the detector design, material growth and processing that has culminated in realization of large format long-wavelength QWIP cameras, holding forth great promise for many applications in 6–25 μm wavelength range in science, medicine, defense and industry. In addition, we present the recent developments in long-wavelength/very long-wavelength dualband QWIP imaging camera for various applications.