基于光学频率上转换的中红外探测研究进展

Advancements and Future Prospects in Mid-Infrared Detection Technology Using Optical Frequency Up-Conversion

中红外波段在环境遥感、天文观测、生物医学诊断和分子光谱等前沿领域具有重要的应用价值。高水平的中红外探测技术是实现上述应用的核心基础技术之一。随着窄禁带半导体和热敏材料等工艺的进步,中红外探测器性能得到了长足的发展。然而,与相邻波段的铟镓砷/硅基探测器相比,当前的中红外探测器在雪崩/计数和面阵等方面明显落后。将中红外光通过频率上转换,利用成熟的近红外/可见光器件实现高水平分析和感知,逐渐成为一种间接探测新范式,与传统的直接探测方法形成有效互补。本文梳理了国内外中红外上转换探测技术的主要发展历程,对探测系统“四要素”(非线性晶体、探针光源、待测中红外目标,以及光探测终端)进行了分类,总结了中红外单光子探测、光谱分析和成像等应用大方向的主要进展,最后展望了该探测技术的未来发展趋势。

The mid-infrared band holds important application value in frontier fields such as environmental remote sensing,astronomical observation,biomedical diagnosis,and molecular spectroscopy.High-performance mid-infrared detection technology is crucial for realizing these applications.Advances in narrow-bandgap semiconductors and heatsensitive material technologies have greatly improved the performance of mid-infrared detectors.Despite this progress,mid-infrared detectors still lag behind InGaAs/Si-based detectors functioning in adjacent bands,particularly in avalanche/counting and planar array configurations.The frequency up-conversion of mid-infrared light using mature near-infrared and visible light devices to achieve high-level analysis and sensing has emerged as a new indirect detection paradigm that effectively complements traditional direct detection methods.This paper reviews the development history of mid-infrared frequency up-conversion detection technology both domestically and internationally,classifies the“four elements”of a detection system(i.e.,a nonlinear crystal,a probe light source,a mid-infrared target,and an optical detection terminal),and summarizes the key advances in mid-infrared single photon detection,spectral analysis,and imaging applications.The paper also discusses future directions for advancements in detection technology.