What is a key difference in the construction of infrared payloads compared to RGB electro-optical payloads?

The correct answer highlights that a key difference in the construction of infrared payloads compared to RGB electro-optical payloads is the semiconductor material used. Infrared sensors typically rely on materials that are sensitive to infrared radiation, such as indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) or mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe). These materials are specifically chosen for their ability to detect wavelengths in the infrared spectrum, which is fundamentally different from the materials used in RGB sensors.

RGB electro-optical payloads utilize sensors that are optimized for visible light detection, commonly using silicon-based semiconductors. This distinction in semiconductor materials is crucial, as it determines the spectrum each type of sensor can effectively capture and the applications for which they are best suited. Infrared sensors are often employed in thermal imaging and surveillance, while RGB sensors are used for standard imaging in visible light environments. This fundamental difference in construction influences how each type of payload interacts with the world, such as how they perceive temperature variations in the case of infrared sensors versus color information in the case of RGB sensors.