Uncooled Midwave Focal Plane Array (FPA) and Camera for RPG Detection

Uncooled Focal Plane Array (UFPA) technology has evolved such that high performance can be achieved in both the medium wavelength infrared (MWIR 3-5 micron) and long wavelength infrared (LWIR 8-14 micron) bands. The main reason for this performance improvement has been increased thermal isolation of the bolometric sensing element. High performance can be achieved in both the MWIR and LWIR with a single detector, with a broadband response, and a switchable filter. Black Forest Engineering will investigate and design an uncooled camera employing microbolometers that meets the following specifications: NETD < 150mK referenced to f/1 optics with 90% transmission and radiation pass band of 3.0-micron to 5.0-micron observing an ideal black body at 300 K operating at 60 frames per second and has a switchable filter to allow for receiving 3 to 13 um radiation. The UFPA will have a resolution of 320x240 or more pixels with a pixel pitch less than 50.0 micron.