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Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) is a primary absorber material used in most infrared (IR) detection technologies. Our previous studies show that the optical absorbance profile of MCT in the mid-infrared region can be enhanced by 13% under ambient conditions via integrating periodic Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) nanostructures. Here, we focus on the geometrical parameterization and optimization of ITO nanostructure arrays. We simulate several types of geometries, their corresponding effective absorption profiles, E-field distribution, and optimal geometric parameters. This work may lead to improved light collection and absorption edge engineering, as MCT continues to be the material of choice in IR detection architectures.

Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) is the premier active material used in infrared (IR) detection technology. The most recent work related to the improvement of MCT-based detectors is associated with reducing the s/n ratio, and increasing the operating temperature without compromising performance. However, little has been done in manipulating the Electric field intensity near the absorber region of the device. Our numerical studies show that the absorption profile of MCT in the mid-infrared can be enhanced by integrating metal oxide nanostructures. This work may improve the dynamic range and sensitivity of infrared detectors capable of operating in multiple detection windows.

Hyperbolic metamaterials create artificial anisotropy using metallic wires suspended in dielectric media or alternating layers of a metal and dielectric (Type I or Type II). In this study we fabricated ZnO/Al:ZnO (AZO) multilayers by the RF magnetron sputtering deposition technique. Our fabricated multilayers satisfy the requirements for a type II hyperbolic metamaterial. The optical response of individual AZO and ZnO films, as well as the multilayered film were investigated via UV-vis-IR transmittance and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The optical response of the multilayered system is calculated using the nonlocal-corrected Effective Medium Approximation (EMA). The spectroscopic ellipsometry data of the multilayered system was modeled using a uniaxial material model and EMA model. Both theoretical and experimental studies validate the fabricated multilayers undergo a hyperbolic transition at a wavelength of 2.2 μm. To our knowledge this is the first AZO/ZnO type II hyperbolic metamaterial system fabricated by magnetron sputtering deposition method.Hyperbolic metamaterials create artificial anisotropy using metallic wires suspended in dielectric media or alternating layers of a metal and dielectric (Type I or Type II). In this study we fabricated ZnO/Al:ZnO (AZO) multilayers by the RF magnetron sputtering deposition technique. Our fabricated multilayers satisfy the requirements for a type II hyperbolic metamaterial. The optical response of individual AZO and ZnO films, as well as the multilayered film were investigated via UV-vis-IR transmittance and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The optical response of the multilayered system is calculated using the nonlocal-corrected Effective Medium Approximation (EMA). The spectroscopic ellipsometry data of the multilayered system was modeled using a uniaxial material model and EMA model. Both theoretical and experimental studies validate the fabricated multilayers undergo a hyperbolic transition at a wavelength of 2.2 μm. To our knowledge this is the first AZO/ZnO type II hyperbolic metamaterial system fabricated...