Linear-mode, Wide FOV, Single Photon Counting APD Ladar Array

The overall objective of the proposed SBIR program is to develop compact, low-cost, low power and ultra-high sensitivity semiconductor ladar photoreceivers with linear mode photon counting capabilities that will be at once capable of high image, range and angular resolution. Specifically, we will model, design, analyze, fabricate and test and demonstrate high sensitivity, high bandwidth, (1.0 GHz), low noise and high dynamic range detector arrays (32 x 32). In Phase I, we will develop the basic material and device technology for the single pixels photoreceiver, optimize the production process for large format arrays, investigate ROIC design and integration, and establish feasibility by projecting the performance of the photon counting receiver and showing that it meets the performance of typical MDA ladar systems. In Phase II, we will design, fabricate and test the monolithic (32 x 32) ladar photoreceiver arrays operating at 1064 nm with greater than 1GHz bandwidth.