Readout Integrated Circuit for Advanced Interceptors

"Modern missile systems containing advanced seeker technologies will require significant improvements in capability and electronic integration. Part of the capability improvement for an advanced seeker is to make it multi-mode for target tracking based notonly on passive infrared imaging but also fusing range information created by an active pulse laser system imaging LAser Detection And Ranging (LADAR). The proposal to develop an integrated readout IC that would allow LADARs of very large scale IR detectorarrays (1024 by 1024 detectors) to be incorporated into an advanced active seeker is crucial to building a system that will meet performance parameters such as weight, size, power and target detection/tracking accuracy.The result of work performed on this proposal would provide a baseline for developing a critical part of a flight capable imaging LADAR useful in a dual mode seeker. Technology Need addressedThe development of advanced missile interceptors addressing hit-to-kill against maneuvering threats poses significant challenges to on-board active dual mode seeker operation. Of significant importance to a dual mode seeker is the requirement for anadvanced laser radar (LAser Detection And Ranging) used for range information. The fusing of the LADAR data set and Infrared focal plane array (FPA) image yields a 3 dimensional target detection/identification capability. In order to meet advancedthreats it is desired to extend exi