Far-IR linear detector array for DARWIN

The Darwin mission imposes extremely hard requirements on dark current. The QWIP structures with low dark current have reduced absorption coefficient. The project is targeted at finding the optimal trade-off between the total quantum efficiency, dark current and operating temperature. Detailed analysis of the dark current components with emphasis on low operating temperature was carried out. Special attention is paid to the optimization of optical coupling in order to preserve the required level of the quantum efficiency while reducing dark current. This paper presents the latest results from this project.