1024 x 1024 Snapshot Two-Color Infrared Focal Plane Array (FPA) for Air-to-Ground Applications

Advanced Device Technology, Inc.(ADT) and the University of Iowa, Optical Science and Technology Center are pleased to respond to SBIR solicitation NO5-032 entitled " 1024 x 1024 Snapshot Two-Color Infrared Focal Plane Array for Air-to-Ground Applications". We propose to develop large format focal plane arrays on Strained Layer Superlattice (SLS) material to improve the capability of Navy's Tactical Aircraft IR Targeting Systems. The key features of the project are:  Large Format LWR FPA. 1024 x 10-24 element focal plane array with pixel pitch = 19.5 um x 19.5 um is designed for LWIR (8-12 um) waveband. The detector array is integrated with an existing ROIC with snapshot integration capability (SBF: 178). This product will be developed during Phase II.  Co-located Dual Band (MWIR/LWIR) FPA. Co-located Dual Band (MWIR:3-5 um/LWIR:8-12 um) detector arrays is designed in three array formats: 1) 320 x 256 element with an existing snapshot ROIC (ISC 0006; pitch = 40um x 40um), 2) 640 x 512 element and 3) 1024 x 1024 element with a new snapshot ROIC ( pitch = 30 um x 30um). The Dual Band products will be developed during Phase III.  Simultaneous Imaging of Dual Band Signals with Snapshot ROICs. The design allows the detection of dual band signals in a simultaneous fashion during each frame with snapshot ROICs.  High Performance Detector Arrays on Type II Strained Layer Superlattice (SLS). High Performance Detector Arrays are fabricated on SLS material. The main advantages of SLS detectors are 1) higher performance due to lower dark current and longer minority carrier life time 2) higher operating temperature and 3) lower cost due to higher array uniformity and low cost large area substrate.  High Reliability Passivation Scheme. The detector array is fabricated with high reliability radiation-hard passivation scheme.  High Operating Temperature. The focal plane array can be operated at cryocooled (77K), thermo-electrically ( T.E.) cooled ( 160K-250K) and uncooled (300K) temperature levels. During Phase I, a trade study will be conducted to establish the optimum performance-temperature requirements of the Navy systems.  On-going Contract to Support the Proposed Project. The proposed product can be developed cost-effectively, since ADT is developing SLS products under an On-going DARPA/SMDC contract for a BAA solicitation. During Phase I, an analysis will be conducted on the Legacy Infrared System to determine its constraints for the two existing Navy Projects:1) Advanced Targeting FLIR for F/A-18 and 2) Lighting Pod for AV-8 Harrier. During Phase II, 1024 x 1024 element LWIR focal array will be fabricated with an existing snapshot ROIC (SBF 184) and the performance improvement will be demonstrated. During Phase III, LWIR focal plane array will be assembled in a dewar and integrated into a specific targeting pod with the necessary modifications for the optics and the electronics of the system. Also during Phase III, the Dual Band focal plane arrays in three array formats will be fabricated and assembled in a prototype dewar for a specific targeting pots. A preliminary evaluation of the performance of the system will be conducted under laboratory and flight conditions using Single Band and Dual Band focal plane arrays.