Strained Layer Superlattice (SLS)

Induction year: 2025

Inducted organizations:

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The Strained Layer Superlattice (SLS) technology developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is used to manufacture infrared detectors. The enhanced performance and cost-savings of this technology is a significant advancement over earlier technologies. This technology has been employed by NASA, industry partners, and academic institutions to develop infrared detection devices for a wide variety of space and commercial applications. It was developed as an advanced evolutionary step for NASA’s Landsat Space and Earth observing instruments, and for the development of focal plane arrays (FPA) used in planetary and astrophysics observing instruments. The new generation of detectors using the SLS technology are less complex than prior generations, and have enhanced capabilities with smaller, less expensive instrumentation. Key advantages include: • devices which operate at a much warmer operating temperature, resulting in a considerable reduction in power consumption • reduction in the size and weight of the overall system • easier and more reliable fabrication process • a tunable, broad spectral response • more stable performance over long periods of time, reducing the need for recalibration According to Maxtech International, a market research organization specializing in the infrared and thermal imaging industry, the JPL developed detector technology is now positioned to dominate this industry.