Requirements for infrared detector array focal planes suitable for a set of prospective planetary missions are developed. Using the Galileo mission to Jupiter as a starting point, objectives and constraints applicable to outer planet missions are developed. The concept for an advanced mapping spectrometer utilizing 128 x 128 element infrared detector arrays is described. Specific implementations for the Saturn Orbiter Dual Probe mission, a Mars Orbiter mission, and a Titan Orbiter mission are defined. The analysis indicates that within the 1 to 5 μm range, broad scientific objectives for these missions can be met using focal plane arrays with detectivities on the order of 101 cm Hz ^1/2 W^-1. The realization of such high detectivities in a low background application will necessitate careful development of the method by which the detector signals are multiplexed and read out.

Date Published: 12 December 1979
PDF: 7 pages
Proc. SPIE 0203, Recent Advances in TV Sensors and Systems, (12 December 1979); doi: 10.1117/12.958138

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0203:
Recent Advances in TV Sensors and Systems
Charles Freeman, Editor(s)