Low-Noise Evaluation of Missile Intercept Focal Plane Arrays

This proposal describes the development of a new class of test equipment designed specifically to quantify performance of 3rd generation FPA devices. The test equipment will have the capability of measuring 16 bit or better noise performance, with noisefloors in the range of 100 microvolts, whereas current systems can only achieve noise floors of 160uV. The program will:(a) Estimate performance requirements of test hardware required to produce a accurate assessment of 3rd generation 2-color FPA performance.(b) Evaluate potential options that achieve the goal of developing and assembling low-noise, high-performance test stations.(c) Outline specific implementations for test systems that meet the needed low noise performance.Nova Biomimetics is uniquely suited for the implementation of such low-noise test systems based on our recent development of very flexible test and evaluation electronics for various infrared FPAs. This program will analyze and define the test hardwareconfiguration to be developed and implemented under Phase II. The developed low-noise test system will satisfy critical 2-color focal plane testing requirements in support of MDA's Seabase Light-Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) 2-color effort. These newtest sets will represent an important element in the advancement of this technology and future FPA advancements. The resulting test equipment developed through the course of the Phase II effort will meet the low noise requirements for the evaluation of both present and future LEAP 2-color focal plane arrays (FPA).