Cooled IR detector technologies are known to deliver very high infrared imaging performance. Cryogenic cooling is required to minimize the electrical noise due to the detector dark current. Although evolutionary cooler refinements have made the systems quite reasonable, the cooling does have some disadvantages, such as increased cost, size, power dissipation, cool down time and decreased reliability. New MCT detectors are described that deliver excellent performance at high operating temperatures (HOT). As a result, many benefits are described, including decreased system costs, smaller size, lower power dissipation, faster cool down times and increased reliability.

5.5µm band 9.5µm band Dual-band infrared imaging detectors that deliver images in two infrared bands

The fabrication of dual-band infrared detectors is reaching maturity at Sofradir after many years of research and technological improvement in cooperation with CEA-LETI. The semi-planar structure uses a proven standard process with robust reproducibility making it a natural choice for third generation detectors. Currently, 24μm-pixel pitch VGA arrays are available having median NETD around 18mK with operability over 99.5%. The new dual-band technology is ideal for large FPAs as well as for detectors used in dual active/passive operating modes in order to assure robust target engagement and improve detection probabilities.

Improvements in cooled FPA technology and dewar packaging including reductions in pixel pitch and optimizations in FPA encapsulation have resulted in increased compactness of infrared detectors and easier integration into infrared imaging systems. The latest example is JUPITER, a 15µm pixel pitch HD-TV format (1280x1024) integrated detector dewar cooler assembly (IDDCA), which boasts impressive specifications for dewar compactness, low power consumption and reliability. Initially introduced in a large dewar with a large split Stirling cooler compressor, the new JUPITER is now available in a new compact dewar that has a maintenance-free vacuum over a typical 18-year mission profile and can be integrated with a variety of compact, high reliability Stirling coolers.

The use of infrared imaging systems in space has increased over the past few years. Infrared detectors are used in various applications including hyperspectral observation, earth observations for meteorological and scientific research and for science experiments. This paper reviews the latest development in infrared detector solutions at Sofradir in developing solutions based on 2nd and 3rd generation MCT detectors for space applications. Included is a description of high reliability infrared detector designs, hyperspectral solutions from visible up to VLWIR waveband as well as a review of performance and qualifications for current programs.