MCT SWIR modules for active imaging

R. Breiter; M. Benecke; D. Eich; H. Figgemeier; H. Lutz; A. Sieck; A. Weber; R. Wiegleb

doi:10.1117/12.2519891

14 May 2019 MCT SWIR modules for active imaging

R. Breiter, M. Benecke, D. Eich, H. Figgemeier, H. Lutz, A. Sieck, A. Weber, R. Wiegleb

Proceedings Volume 11002, Infrared Technology and Applications XLV; 1100212 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2519891
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2019, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

For improved long-range reconnaissance applications, a SWIR module for active imaging was developed at AIM. Using laser illumination together with gated viewing (GV) capability reduces noise, amount of background clutter and path radiance and helps e.g. to see through smoke obscuration. Based on AIM’s MCT technology a 2D SWIR electron avalanche photodiode (eAPD) array was developed. A 640×512 15μm pitch format was chosen to allow imaging with the desired resolution. The APD arrays have been designed and fabricated by liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) growth of MCT layers for a 2.5μm cut-off on lattice-matched CdZnTe substrates. Also, a specific ROIC was designed to enable the GV capability of the module. In GV operating mode, the gate can be controlled by an external trigger signal or by internal timing parameters. The gate-delay and integration can be programmed precisely. Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs) have been fabricated and integrated into a dewar/cooler assembly. A dedicated command and control electronics has been designed providing the system interface including power supply, triggering and digital video data. To demonstrate long-range reconnaissance capability of SWIR GV a field camera demonstrator was developed. The demonstrator incorporates the SWIR GV camera, a thermal camera with a wide field of view (WFOV) for detection and the laser illuminator. A user interface was implemented to operate the demonstrator in the field, having easy access to the gating capability. The paper will present the latest performance results of the SWIR GV module including results of field trials with the demonstrator.

Citation Download Citation

R. Breiter, M. Benecke, D. Eich, H. Figgemeier, H. Lutz, A. Sieck, A. Weber, and R. Wiegleb "MCT SWIR modules for active imaging", Proc. SPIE 11002, Infrared Technology and Applications XLV, 1100212 (14 May 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2519891

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KEYWORDS

Short wave infrared radiation

Cameras

Avalanche photodetectors

Fiber optic illuminators

Sensors

Readout integrated circuits

Signal to noise ratio

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