Boston Chapter of the IEEE Photonics Society

Abstract:  SiOnyx has developed a novel silicon processing technology for CMOS sensors that will extend spectral sensitivity into the near/shortwave infrared (NIR/SWIR) and enable a full performance digital night vision capability comparable to that of current image-intensifier based night vision goggles. The process is compatible with established CMOS manufacturing infrastructure and has the promise of much lower cost than competing approaches.  The measured thin layer quantum efficiency is as much as 30x that of incumbent imaging sensors with spectral sensitivity from 400 to 1200 nm.

Biography:  Dr. Pralle is the VP of Government Programs at SiOnyx delivering next generation ultrafast laser processed silicon optical technologies to military and other government agencies.  Prior to this he spent 8 years developing a photonic crystal MEMS infrared emitter and sensor from initial device inception to high volume production.   This development required cross functional technology integration including photonic bandgap physics, optics, analog electrical circuitry, MEMS mechanical device design, and custom MEMS process development.  Dr. Pralle holds a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a BS from Cornell University, both in Materials Science and Engineering.

Location:  MIT Lincoln Laboratory