In past performance analyses and comparisons of midwave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) systems, infrared systems scientists and engineers have not had the cumulative technologies that we will soon enjoy. Large format, small pitch, deep wells, and digital processing do not exist in a single focal plane, but they are a reality now individually and will exist collectively in the near future. How do we best use these technologies, and how do we compare sensors when we use these technologies? From a more fundamental aspect, how do you optimize a system given that practical limits are minimized and theoretical limits apply? Smaller pitch infrared detectors can provide longer range performance for a given aperture and higher photon collection duty cycles (deep wells and faster frame rates) can allow better modulation transfer function correction. Digital image processing allows for recovery of resolution by trading surplus signal-to-noise ratio. Nonuniformity correction becomes an important issue, but there are methods using higher duty cycles to address the problems. LWIR can compete with MWIR using the additional photons given an improved photon collection duty cycle. A holistic approach to system design can provide for an extremely high-performance system. It is also worth mentioning that infrared targeting sensor design in the future shall be quantified with more than just identification range. Since these technologies provide more than a human can consume, the sensors need to be designed to better utilize human consumption limits. An example is that small pitch high-density sensors (solid-state imaging) can provide faster target prosecution, which allows for faster target engagements. We show these possibilities using an LWIR targeting sensor to demonstrate the concept of optimizing pitch-well-processing.
KEYWORDS: Sensors, Long wavelength infrared, Modulation transfer functions, Infrared imaging, Infrared radiation, Mid-IR, Readout integrated circuits, Image processing, Signal to noise ratio, Imaging systems
In past performance analyses and comparisons of MWIR and LWIR systems, infrared systems scientists and engineers did not have the cumulative technologies that we will soon enjoy. Large format-small pitch, deep wells, and massive processing do not exist in a single focal plane, but they are reality now individually and will exist collectively in the near future. How do we best use these technologies and how do we compare sensors when we use these technologies? From a more fundamental aspect, how do you optimize a system given that practical limits are minimized and theoretical limits apply? Smaller pitch infrared detectors can provide longer range performance for a given aperture and higher photon collection duty cycles (deep wells and faster frame rates) can allow better Modulation Transfer Function correction. Massive processing allows for recovery of resolution by trading surplus signal to noise ratio. Non-uniformity correction becomes an important issue, but there are smart methods using higher duty cycles to address the problems. LWIR can compete with MWIR using the additional photons given an improved photon collection duty cycle. A holistic approach to system design can provide for an extremely high-performance system. It is also worth mentioning that infrared targeting sensor design in the future should be quantified with more than just identification range. Since these technologies provide more than a human can consume, the sensors need to be designed smarter to better utilize human consumption limits. An example is that small pitch high density sensors (solid state imaging) can provide faster target prosecution which allows for faster target engagements. We show these possibilities using a LWIR targeting sensor to demonstrate the concept of optimizing pitch-well-processing (PWP).
To improve its capacity to meet customer needs, DRS Infrared Technologies began technology transfer of the VOx uncooled FPA process from its Anaheim facility to its Dallas facility in the Fall of 2002. The new facility delivered its first U3000 arrays (320x240, 51μm pitch) three months after the VOx deposition system was installed, and produced over 300 units of U3000 per month just twelve months after beginning the transfer. Process enhancements and tool upgrades have enabled excellent control of the microbolometer process. Today, this line selectively fabricates arrays with NETD varying from 30mK to 80mK in 15mK bins with less than 30 ms time constant. The same arrays also have low defect density of less than 2% dead pixels and no more than one row and one column out. The arrays are packaged in imager or radiometer (F/1.4) packages. DRS also transferred small and large format arrays with 25μm pitch under the PEO-Soldier Sensor Producibility to the Dallas facility. Production of the 25μm pitch devices is currently more that 100 units per month and is ramping up to meet customer demand. This paper reports on production progress on the U3000s and the status of U3500 and U6000 25μm pitch array.
Conference Committee Involvement (6)
Infrared Technology and Applications XXXVI
5 April 2010 | Orlando, Florida, United States
Infrared Technology and Applications XXXV
13 April 2009 | Orlando, Florida, United States
Infrared Technology and Applications XXXIV
17 March 2008 | Orlando, Florida, United States
Infrared Technology and Applications XXXIII
9 April 2007 | Orlando, Florida, United States
Infrared Technology and Applications XXXII
17 April 2006 | Orlando (Kissimmee), Florida, United States
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