Army searches for companies with epitaxial materials experience for advanced night vision
FORT BELVOIR, Va., 24 Sept. 2013. U.S. Army researchers are looking for companies with experience in III-V epitaxial materials research such as superlattice (SL) and barrier structures for manufacturing advanced infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs) with large-formats and reduced pixel size that are capable of mid-wavelength, long-wavelength, and mid- and long-dual-band infrared (IR) detection.
Representatives of the Communications-Electronics Research, Development, and Engineering Center of the Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) at Fort Belvoir, Va., released a source-sought notice Friday (W909MY13QVSTA) for the III-V Epitaxial Materials Research program.
This initiative is surveying industry to find companies with experience in detector structures, fabrication, and characterization of test detectors and FPAs based on antimony-based III-V material SL and barrier structures.
Army researchers are trying to build on a previous research program at the Night Vision Lab called Vital IR Sensor Technology Acceleration (VISTA) Phase I. The goal is to improve performance, and demonstrate producibility and repeatable performance for all formats of FPAs. Army researchers also want more information on costs and yield statistics.
Of particular interest for this industry survey is to find companies with experience in high operating temperature (HOT) high resolution, mid to large format mid-wave infrared (MWIR) FPA development; high-definition (HD) small pixel mid- and long- wave infrared dual band FPAs; dual-band FPAs with digital-read-out integrated circuits (DROICs); and high-dynamic range long-waver infrared (LWIR) FPAs with DROICs.
Statements should address capability, corporate experience with antimony-based III-V projects, information on applicable industry certifications, and investments in quality and process improvement activities.
Responders should identify up to three relevant contracts or subcontracts and describe specific technical experience, knowledge, understanding, and expertise. Email responses, questions, and concerns to the Army's Michelle Hodges at [email protected].
More information is online at https://www.fbo.gov/notices/b1f4edd6d2f00c24a598fcd9805e8f1e.
