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An infrared detector array includes a plurality of detector pixel structures, each having a plurality of coplanar sections responsive to different bands of infrared radiations. Each section of a pixel structure comprises a plurality of elongate quantum well infrared radiation absorbing photoconducto

An infrared detector array includes a plurality of detector pixel structures, each having a plurality of coplanar sections responsive to different bands of infrared radiations. Each section of a pixel structure comprises a plurality of elongate quantum well infrared radiation absorbing photoconductor (QWIP) elements. The group of QWIP elements are spaced such that they comprise a diffraction grating for the received infrared radiation. Top and bottom longitudinal contacts are provided on opposite surfaces of the QWIP elongate elements to provide current flow transverse to the axis of the element to provide the required bias voltage. An infrared radiation reflector is provided to form an optical cavity for receiving infrared radiation. A plurality of detector pixel structures are combined to form a focal plane array. Each pixel structure section produces a signal that is transmitted through a conductive bump to a terminal of a read out integrated circuit. The group of signals from the detector pixel structures produces a multi-band (color) image corresponding to the received infrared radiation.

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1. A multi-band quantum well infrared radiation photodetector pixel structure, comprising:a plurality of coplanar sections, each section responsive to a band of infrared radiation, said sections collectively responsive to a plurality of said bands of infrared radiation, each said section having a pl

1. A multi-band quantum well infrared radiation photodetector pixel structure, comprising:a plurality of coplanar sections, each section responsive to a band of infrared radiation, said sections collectively responsive to a plurality of said bands of infrared radiation, each said section having a plurality of elongate, multiple quantum well infrared radiation absorbing elements, each of said elements having first and second opposite longitudinal surfaces, said elements in each said section having a configuration which includes a periodic spacing dimension for said elements and a width dimension for said elements, said sections having respective, different configurations, said multiple quantum well elements comprising a diffraction grating for said infrared radiation, a first contact which includes a plurality of planar, electrically interconnected strips respectively in contact with and extending along said first surfaces of said multiple quantum well elements, a plurality of second contacts respectively located in each of said sections, each said second contact electrically connected to said second surfaces of said multiple quantum well elements in the corresponding one of said sections, said first contact and said second contacts positioned on opposite longitudinal sides of each of said multiple quantum well elements to provide current flow through said elements in a direction substantially transverse to the axis of said elements, and a planar reflector for said infrared radiation, said reflector positioned on an opposite side of said second contacts from said multiple quantum well elements.