Status of focal plane arrays (FPAs) for space-based applications

Conference · Fri Dec 30 23:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:207950

Wilhelm, D T; Purvis, R K; Singh, A; Richardson, D Z; Hahn, Jr, R A ^[1]; Duffey, J R ^[2]; Roberts, W T ^[3]; Ruffner, J A ^[4]

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1. Phillips Lab., Kirtland AFB, NM (United States)
2. S-Cubed, Albuquerque, NM (United States)
3. Nichols Research Corp., Inc., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
4. Univ. of Arizona, Albuquerque, NM (United States)

The past decade has seen extensive development of strategic infrared focal plane arrays (IRFPAs), with the result that surveillance, tracking and interceptor sensors are a much more credible force for national and theater defense. Investment in infrared detector materials, especially HgCdTe, has resulted in breakthrough improvements in array sensitivity, uniformity, and size, making these materials viable for the vital strategic defense systems currently envisioned for deployment. Development of silicon Impurity Band Conductor (IBC) detector arrays has resulted in arrays for the very long-wave infrared that approach theoretical limits for performance in the surveillance applications of tomorrow. Programs for the development of readout circuitry have allowed array sizes to increase dramatically, while permitting longer operational lifetimes in space radiation environments with reduced electronics noise. Efforts under these development programs to cut array costs, while improving yield and performance, are preparing us for programs to manufacture the number required at a cost that will allow the surveillance system to be affordable. This paper presents an overview of space sensor missions, technical progress from recently completed programs, status of ongoing efforts, and speculation about development needs and directions for the future.

• OSTI ID: 207950
• Report Number(s): CONF-940449--; ISBN 0-8194-1521-9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
CADMIUM TELLURIDES
INFRARED RADIATION
MERCURY TELLURIDES
MILITARY EQUIPMENT
NATIONAL DEFENSE
RADIATION DETECTION
RADIOMETERS
READOUT SYSTEMS
SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SPACE FLIGHT
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
USES