Ultra-sensitive Uncooled Bolometer FPA for Space Interceptors

"An uncooled long wave infrared (LWIR) focal plane array (FPA) is proposed. It is fabricated with ultra-sensitive micro bolometers, micromachined entirely out of silicon using the MEMS (micro electro-optical mechanical system) technology. It consists of a256x256 array of micro bolometers, each micromachined in a special form to possess an extremely high temperature-resistance coefficient for a detectivity of about an order of magnitude higher than that of the state-of-the-art bolometers. Integrated withon-chip readout and control electronics, the FPA is capable of a thermal imaging sensitivity of 0.001 K, ideal for space interceptor and missile seeker applications, for which compactness and uncooled operation are premium requirements. Phase 1 will definethe FPA requirements, design the FPA and delineate its fabrication processes. Phase will fabricate, integrate and test a breadboard FPA with supporting electronics and optics. Interceptors and seekers, medical imaging and gas sensing"