Early Launch Detection, and Tracking Sensor Concepts

Infrared sensor technology has proven to be a key component in the development of advanced systems for boost phase interception and tracking. These systems require sensors with both high-performance and high-resolution capabilities. One of the importantlong wavelength capable detection materials developed recently is the quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP). The next generation for the QWIP FPAs will be formats of 1kx1k, 2kx2k, and 4kx4k. These arrays will allow greater resolution and instantaneousfield of view capability for a number of different infrared sensor based systems. Indigo Systems Corporation proposes to develop and commercialize a family of Large Format QWIP FPA ROICs. These arrays would be made available as Commercial-off-theShelf-Technology to the developers of advanced large format QWIP detector focal plane arrays and systems.In the Phase I of the L-FPA development, Indigo will perform the tasks necessary to advance the ROIC design through the trade study phase. This effort will establish the specification, architecture, and demonstrate feasibility for all high-risk aspects ofthe array design.Phase II is divided into five major tasks including preliminary design, critical design, fabrication, characterization, and wafer test. Large Format QWIP FPA ROICs, developed under this program would be made available as Commercial-off-the Shelf-Technology (COTS) to the developers of advanced QWIP detector arrays and systems, enabling rapid deployment of low-cost infrared-based systemsinto commercial and military markets.Indigo proposes to develop L-FPA through the incorporation of a sub-micron CMOS stitching process. Stitched reticles are capable of producing multiple array configurations. Thus a single reticle set can be used to produce 1kx1k, 2kx2k and 4kx4k ROICs atreduced costs.