How Are Materials for Infrared Sensors Selected and Developed?

[Science Man]

TL;DR Summary

I am looking for an engaging discussion on the making of infrared sensors and how to grow them.

Hello. I am curious to know if anyone here has interest in talking about materials used for an infrared sensor and how to grow them. I have read about carbon nanotube forests and things like that. Apparently, to achieve the highest sensitivity to infrared light, the key is in the elements used and the structure of those elements in the sensor. And then I guess setting up resistances to turn to voltages to measure said radiation of desired frequency. Also, I assume the frequency of radiation best absorbed by a material depends on the attributes of the material, so I wonder what a material would have to be like to be the best at absorbing that part of the spectrum. Any insight into the topic is much appreciated.

 

[Baluncore]

Welcome to PF.

That is a huge subject. You need to specify your application, the temperature of the target and the temperature of the sensor.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolometer#Applications_in_astronomy