Tetramer High-Tech Partnership Could Aid Manufacturing, Military

Observer Reports

Tetramer, a high-tech customer materials company in Pendleton, is teaming up with University of Chicago researchers for a $1 million infrared photodetectors project that could have both manufacturing and military uses.

Infrared photodetectors (IRPDs) are used in SWIR (Short-Wave Infrared) cameras to detect infrared light and convert it into an electrical signal. They are utilized in applications from night vision and thermal imaging to environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and consumer electronics. 

Current infrared sensors use materials such as Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) that can be costly to produce and require integrated cooling systems to operate effectively. Additionally, these materials are challenging to shape into anything beyond flat 2-D forms, limiting their versatility in more advanced sensor designs. As a result, current IR cameras come with a significant price tag, typically ranging from $30,000 to well over $100,000.

These high costs are a barrier to using IR sensors in various applications that impact both the U.S. armed forces and the general public.  

In a news release on Tetramer’s website, Tetramer Principal Investigator, Dr. Stephen Hudson wrote: “This represents a huge opportunity to expand the capabilities and available applications for IR photodetectors. The ability to produce these Quantum Dots with high reproducibility would be an enhancement to the supply chain for IR sensor manufacturers, reducing their manufacturing costs and lowering barriers for new end-users to implement IR-based technologies. We expect this to have a dramatic impact on the IRPD market within the next few years.”  

“Our collaborative team, which combines Tetramer’s experienced scientists with the talented researchers from the University of Chicago, is well-suited for the challenge. Building on the success of our Phase I project, our collective expertise closely aligns with the project’s objectives, which have implications not only for defense applications but also for consumers. I am confident that together, we will make substantial progress and drive innovation to benefit a broad range of users,” said Dr. Jeff DiMaio, Tetramer CEO.

The $1 grant for the project is part of the United States Army Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program.