Uncooled, LWIR FPA for Hyper-spectral Imaging

We propose to develop a long wave infrared (LWIR) focal plane array (FPA) capable of multi-spectral imaging over the entire LWIR spectrum, ideal for target acquisition, tracking and discrimination. The FPA, micromachined entirely out of Silicon using theso-called MEMS (micro electro-optical mechanical system) technology, consists of a 256x256 array of micro Fabry-Perot tunable filters (MFPTF) integrated with a same-size array of micro bolometers, so that each bolometer pixel is aligned with thecorrespondng MFPTF pixel. Thus, each bolometer may be tuned, by the MFPTF pixel, to respond to a different wavelength from another pixel, or each frame of the FPA may be tuned to a different wavelength from another frame. This tunability will provide anextraordinary capability for the FPA to discriminate target from clutter, background and decoys without using extensive data processing H/W and S/W assets. Each array will contain on-chip readout and control circuits. Phase 1 will define the FPA systemmission and requirements, delineates it processes for fabrication and fabricate and test a small sample array to validate its concept and performance. Target acquisition, medical imaging, gas sensing, environmental monitoring and law enforcementapplications.