Early Launch Detection, and Tracking Sensor Concepts

Infrared sensor technology has proven to be a key component in the development of advanced systems for target acquisition, tracking, interception, and destruction. These systems require advanced infrared sensors with 640 by 512 or greater spatialresolution, with simultaneous integration, and readout rates of 400 frames per second or greater. Sensors of this type are not currently commercially available. Innovations in high-speed multiplexing and low power design are essential to realize thesedevices. Two key subcomponents are proposed to be developed for the high-speed infrared focal plane array (HS-FPA); these are the readout integrated circuit (ROIC), and the infrared detector (InSb or InGaAs).Indigo Systems Corporation proposes to extend its family of high performance focal plane arrays by developing a large format, high speed, multiple output, sensor.During the Phase I Indigo will perform a trade study to establish the specification, architecture, and demonstrate feasibility and performance of the HS-FPA.The Phase II is divided into nine major tasks: preliminary design, critical design, ROIC fabrication, ROIC characterization, wafer test, detector material, detector processing, hybridization, and HS-FPA testing. High-performance and high-resolution infrared focal plane arrays (IR-FPAs) with 640x512 or greater spatial resolution, with simultaneous integration, and readout rates of 400 frames per second or greater are not currently commercially available for earlylaunch detection and tracking (ELDT).Indigo Systems Corporation proposes to develop large format sensor implementing innovative high-speed multiplexing architecture with low power design and multiple outputs for high-speed IR-FPA system applications.