BAE Systems has advanced its 17 μm pitch LWIR 640 x 480 microbolometer
technology with improvements in pixel performance and introduction of a new 17 μm
pitch ROIC. We have fabricated, characterized, and demonstrated high-yielding 17 μm
pitch FPAs using our new ROIC, and have successfully demonstrated them at the system
level. This new technology builds on our 28 μm FPA production experience and
implements our high-performance single-level microbolometer process at 17 μm pitch.
We present initial results and imagery. These 17 μm FPAs have exceptional
performance and provide the path to next generation microbolometer applications.
BAE Systems has developed an advanced 640 x 480 focal plane array (FPA) with a 17 &mgr;m pixel pitch. Sensitivity of ≤ 50 mK was demonstrated and the FPAs were used in imaging demonstrations. Successful scaling of BAE Systems' patented single contact per pixel, single-level microbolometer process to 17 &mgr;m pitch provides a path toward next generation microbolometer imaging systems.
BAE Systems continues to advance the technology and performance of microbolometer-based thermal imaging modules and systems. 640x480 digital uncooled infrared focal plane arrays are in full production, illustrated by recent production line test data for two thousand focal plane arrays. This paper presents a snapshot of microbolometer technology at BAE Systems and an overview of two of the most important thermal imaging sensor programs currently in production: a family of thermal weapons sights for the United States Army and a thermal imager for the remote weapons station on the Stryker vehicle.
Large deployable space-based optical systems will likely require complex structure position controls in conjunction with an adaptive optic to maintain optical tolerances necessary for near diffraction-limited performance. A real- time holographic (RTH) compensation system can greatly reduce the requirements and complexity of the position control system and enable the use of novel or imperfect optical components for large mirror surfaces. A hologram of the distorted primary is recorded with a local beacon at 532 nm (approximately 100 nJ/exposure) on an optically addressed spatial light modulator and transferred as a phase grating to a ferroelectric liquid crystal layer. The hologram is played back with target light containing the same optical distortion. A corrected image is obtained in the conjugate diffracted order where the phase of the optical distortion is subtracted from the distorted image. We report recent test results and analysis of a RTH- compensated deformed mirror of 0.75 m diameter. The short exposure hologram is recorded at video frequencies (30 Hz) at bandwidths up to 5 kHz. Correction for tens of waves of static and dynamic optical distortions including mechanical and thermal warp, mechanical vibration, and air turbulence are shown for monochromatic (532 nm) and broadband (532 +/- 40 nm) illuminated targets. We also report on the generation of blazed gratings in electrically addressed spatial light modulators to achieve greatly enhanced diffraction efficiencies and to perform beam steering.
Large deployable space-based optical systems will likely require complex structure position controls in conjunction with an adaptive optic to maintain optical tolerances necessary for near diffraction-limited performance. A real- time holographic (RTH) compensation system can greatly reduce the requirements and complexity of the position control system and enable the use of novel or imperfect optical components for large mirror surfaces. A hologram of the distorted primary is recorded with a local beacon at 532 nm (approximately 100 nJ/exposure) on an optically addressed spatial light modulator and transferred as a phase grating to a ferroelectric liquid crystal layer. The hologram is played back with target light containing the same optical distortion. A corrected image is obtained in the conjugate diffracted order where the phase of the optical distortion is subtracted from the distorted image. We report recent test results and analysis of a RTH-compensated deformed mirror of 0.75 m diameter. The short exposure hologram is recorded at video frequencies (30 Hz) at bandwidths up to 5 kHz. Correction for tens of waves of static and dynamic optical distortions including mechanical and thermal warp, mechanical vibration, and air turbulence are shown for monochromatic (532 nm) and broadband (532 +/- 40 nm) illuminated targets.
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