The ability of IR detectors to directly sense the thermal output of an object has found wide application in thermal imaging for medical diagnostics, bushfire detection, satellite remote sensing, search and rescue, thermal loss budget estimation, as well as the more traditional defence and aerospace applications. In addition, emerging applications of IR detectors are found in spectroscopic systems for mineral exploration, pipeline monitoring, pollution detection and identification, and gas monitoring systems. Specific examples include; detection of tumours and tissue damage, detecting illegal waste disposal by ships in harbours, preventative maintenance in electrical switchgear such as high voltage transformers. For the fabrication of sensitive IR detectors, the highest performance is achieved in devices using the semiconductor material mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe or MCT). There are a number of unique properties which give MCT an advantage over competing technologies, with the main advantage being the ability to bandgap engineer the material, for specific applications. The MRG has recently developed new detector structures that are at the leading edge of IR sensor technology. A large amount of research is being carried out to characterise and test the performance of new devices. Projects in this area will include:
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