The use of colloidal quantum dots on focal plane arrays for optical communications

A well-known use of focal plane arrays is to obtain an image of a scene in various photonic bands- most commonly in the visible and infrared domains. Recent developments in colloidal quantum dot technology allow utilization of thin nano-crystals films in conjunction with detector arrays to sensitize detection outside the conventional bands. For example, downshifting PbS quantum dots have been recently demonstrated to produce an image in the UV and VIS bands using SWIR focal planes. In this paper we discuss our results as well as approaches to extend these sensitized focal planes into another mission, UV wireless communications, to achieve a dual-use capability for a conventional imager.