2-D Optical Preamplifier Pixel Arrays For Near Photon-Counting Flash Ladar Receivers

Aerius Photonics proposes to build, test, and deliver a 2-D Optical-Preamplifier Pixel Array (OPPA) to provide near photon-counting imaging Flash Ladar receiver sensitivity with linear-mode operation, full pulse shape discrimination, superior countermeasure immunity, and distinct advantages that improve target discrimination. The approach leverages the Phase I successful demonstration of 32x32 arrays of Vertical-cavity Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (VCSOAs) and Ladar receiver and VCSOA modeling results. Aerius’ OPPA is an optical-preamplifier pass-through approach that is system compatible with advanced direct-detection and coherent Ladar receiver technology programs underdevelopment by the DoD. The OPPA receiver offers an input referred noise equivalent power better than 3 photons with high quantum efficiency and signal gain. The OPPA operates at room temperature, utilizes mature PIN detector array technology, and enables system performance improvements while reducing system cost, weight, and power. In Phase II Aerius will deliver a 1064 nm 64x16 OPPA and integrate it with our partners Flash Ladar focal plane array (FPA) to demonstrate a functioning Ladar receiver system. Flash Ladar imagery will be collected using the OPPA technology and 8x enhanced receiver sensitivity over the use of APDs will be demonstrated.