Large Format Dual Band FPA ROIC for Low Flux Environments

The Dual Band Compact Hyperspectral Imager (DBCHI) delivers high performance, co-registered, simultaneous MWIR & LWIR hyperspectral data from a compact, man-portable sensor. The DBCHI sensor currently employs a dual band focal plane array (FPA) designed to operate in a broadband flux environment. The read out integrated circuit (ROIC) of this FPA uses a direct injection input circuit and is not optimal for the minimum flux levels present in the DBCHI. A redesign of the ROIC optimized for low noise and lower flux environments (~1 µW/cm2 at the detector) will improve performance of the DBCHI and other low background dual-band imaging sensor systems. On Phase I, Black Forest Engineering will design and demonstrate by analysis a low-background dual-band ROIC, and drive electronics compatible with the DBCHI and existing HgCdTe detector arrays that results in improved performance when developed on Phase II. The ROIC will be 640x480 format with 20 µm pixel pitch capable of 60 Hz frame rates with integrate while read, high dynamic range and high injection efficiency.