HgCdTe (MCT) Photovoltaic Detector Chips are electronic devices made from the compound material mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe). These detectors are designed to operate in the infrared wavelength range, and are used for a variety of applications, including thermal imaging, remote sensing, and astronomy.
Photovoltaic detectors work by converting photons (light) into electrical current. When light strikes the detector, it generates an electrical signal that can be measured and processed by electronic equipment. HgCdTe is a popular material for infrared detectors because it can be tuned to detect specific wavelengths of light, and has high sensitivity and low noise.
HgCdTe photovoltaic detectors can be fabricated as single elements or as arrays of many individual detectors. They are typically cooled to low temperatures to reduce noise and increase sensitivity.