Multi-layer Infrared sensor and focal plane array (FPA) protection

Infrared (IR) sensors and focal plane arrays (FPA) play important roles in numerous civilian and defense applications including night vision, target detection, tracking and identification, chemical and biological sensing, environment monitoring, and medical diagnostics. Because of this, IR photodetectors and FPAs are targets of reverse engineering (RE) attacks. This SBIR project aims to develop a new reverse engineering protection technology capable of providing multi-layer protections ranging from physical, electrical, structural down to material levels. Successfully perform the proposed innovation would offer an effective reverse engineering protection technology for IR sensors and FPAs. In phase I, the proposed reverse engineering protection technology will be analyzed and developed. Effectiveness of protection system against reverse engineering attacks will be evaluated. Impacts on the system performance will be investigated. In Phase II, a prototype of the IR sensor and FPA reverse engineering protection system will be developed and delivered to the program manager for on-site testing and evaluation.