Longwave Imaging for Astronomical Applications

We propose to develop a compact portable longwave camera for astronomical applications. In Phase 1, we successfully developed the eye of the camera, i.e. the focal plane array (FPA) and produced good imagery with it. In Phase 2, we will optimize the FPA for quantum efficiency and pixel operability, integrate it into a dewar cooler assembly, and package the resulting sensor engine with electronics and optics into a camera system. We will deliver the camera to NASA for field testing. We expect the camera to be particularly useful in the search for cold objects in the universe and in the measurement of atmospheric gases with absorption lines in the spectral response band of the camera.