Uncooled detectors optimized for unattended applications

E. Malkinson; A. Fraenkel; U. Mizrahi; M. Ben-Ezra; L. Bikov; A. Adin; Y. Zabar; D. Seter; Z. Kopolovich

doi:10.1117/12.632803

21 October 2005 Uncooled detectors optimized for unattended applications

E. Malkinson, A. Fraenkel, U. Mizrahi, M. Ben-Ezra, L. Bikov, A. Adin, Y. Zabar, D. Seter, Z. Kopolovich

Proceedings Volume 5978, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites IX; 597816 (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.632803
Event: SPIE Remote Sensing, 2005, Bruges, Belgium

Abstract

SCD has recently presented an uncooled detector product line based on the high-end VO_x bolometer technology. The first FPA launched, named BIRD - short for Bolometer Infra Red Detector, is a 384x288 (or 320x240) configurable format with 25μm pitch. Typical NETD values for these FPAs range at 50mK with an F/1 aperture and 60 Hz frame rate. These detectors also exhibit a relatively fast thermal time constant of approximately 10 msec, as reported previously. In this paper, the special features of BIRD optimized for unattended sensor applications are presented and discussed. Unattended surveillance using sensors on unattended aerial vehicles (UAV's) or micro air vehicles (MAV's) , unattended ground vehicles (UGV's) or unattended ground sensor (UGS) are growing applications for uncooled detectors. This is due to their low power consumption, low weight, negligible acoustic noise and reduced price. On the other hand, uncooled detectors are vulnerable to ambient drift. Even minor temperature fluctuations are manifested as fixed pattern noise (FPN). As a result, frequent, shutter operation must be applied, with the risk of blocking the scenery in critical time frames and loosing information for various scenarios. In order to increase the time span between shutter operations, SCD has incorporated various features within the FPA and supporting algorithms. This paper will discuss these features and present some illustrative examples. Minimum power consumption is another critical issue for unattended applications. SCD has addressed this topic by introducing the "Power Save" concept. For very low power applications or for TEC-less (Thermo-Electric-Cooler) applications, the flexible dilution architecture enables the system to operate the detector at a number of formats. This, together with a smooth frame rate and format transition capability turns SCD's uncooled detector to be well suited for unattended applications. These issues will be described in detail as well.

Citation Download Citation

E. Malkinson, A. Fraenkel, U. Mizrahi, M. Ben-Ezra, L. Bikov, A. Adin, Y. Zabar, D. Seter, and Z. Kopolovich "Uncooled detectors optimized for unattended applications", Proc. SPIE 5978, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites IX, 597816 (21 October 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.632803

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