This paper discusses the successful demonstration of a first in thermal imaging with utilized an inexpensive midwavelength IR (MWIR) linear, focal plane assembly (FPA) comprising a long linear array of lead selenide (PbSe) photoconductors interfaced to an on-focal-plane multiplexer (MUX). The design of this unique IR sensor consisted of a rugged dewar package in which was mounted a reliable, solid state thermoelectric cooler (TEC) coupled with the proven technologies of both the PbSe fabrication process and the complementary metal-oxide- semiconductor (CMOS) multiplexers. This combination of components now provides the system designer with a readily available, cost-effective, second-generation PbSe focal plane assembly for scanning, thermal imaging applications that require high resolution and system performance of NE(Delta) T capability of better than 0.2 degree(s)C.

Date Published: 1 September 1991
PDF: 13 pages
Proc. SPIE 1488, Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing II, (1 September 1991); doi: 10.1117/12.45818

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 1488:
Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing II
Gerald C. Holst, Editor(s)