Longwave Infrared Focal Plane Array for Imaging Fourier Transform Spectroscopy

Infrared sensor technology has proven to be a key component in the development of advanced systems for target acquisition, tracking, interception, and destruction. One class of system used to collect signatures for these targets is the Fourier TransformSpectroscopy (FTS). These systems require advanced infrared sensors with an 8 to 12 micrometer waveband, 320 by 256 or greater spatial resolution, with simultaneous integration, and readout rates of 400 frames per second or greater. Sensors of this typeare not currently commercially available. Innovations in high-speed multiplexing and low power design are required to realize these devices. Indigo Systems Corporation proposes to extend its family of high performance focal plane arrays by developing alarge format, high speed, multiple output, sensor for FTS system applications.During the Phase I Indigo will perform a trade study to establish the specification, architecture, and demonstrate feasibility and performance of the FTS-FPA.During the Phase I Option, Indigo will begin the preliminary detailed design process of the ROIC.Phase II is divided into eight major tasks: critical design, ROIC fabrication, ROIC characterization, wafer test, detector material, detector processing, hybridization, and FTS-FPA testing. Systems for target acquisition, tracking, interception, and destruction require that the signature characteristics of the targets be characterized and accurately known. Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTS) systems use high-performance, high-resolutionand high-speed infrared sensors, which are not currently commercially available. Innovations in high-speed multiplexing and low power design proposed in this SBIR program will offer large format, high speed, and multiple output sensors for FTS systemapplications.