Instrument

QWIP
Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector

The QWIP camera system is essentially an infrared version of a video camcorder that is capable of detecting temperature variations of ∼0.02°C.NASA's QWIP detector is a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) semiconductor chip with over 100 layers of detector material on top. Each layer is extremely thin, ranging from 10 to 700 atoms thick, and the layers are designed to act as quantum wells.

NASA's DC-8 flying laboratory passes Antarctica's tallest peak, Mount Vinson, on Oct. 22, 2012, during a flight over the continent to measure changes in the massive ice sheet and sea ice. Credit: NASA/Michael Studinger (Photography courtesy NASA Images)

Overview

Instrument Details

Measurement Type

Radar

Measurement/Variables

Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Infrared Wavelengths > Infrared Imagery

Vertical Measurement Regions

Troposphere

Temporal Resolution

1 Hz, 60 Hz

Spatial Resolution

~1.8m

Measurement Frequency

30 - 37.5 THz

Calibration Details

Currently unavailble

Online Information

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/topstory/2006/qwip_advance.html

Lead Investigator
Currently unavailable
Technical Contact
This data will be added in future versions
Instrument Maker
Instrument Systems and Technology Center at NASA Goddard, The Army Research Laboratory (ARL), L3/Cincinnati Electronics, QmagiQ
Funding Source
Earth Science Technology Office

DOI: N/A