High resolution QWIP and MCT FPA modules at AIM

The family of 2 dimensional detection modules at AEG INFRAROT-MODULE GmbH (AIM) based on platinum silicide (PtSi) GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well (QWIP) devices or mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) focal planes for applications in either the 3..5 mu m (MWIR) or 8..10 mu m (LWIR) range was recently extended. Two new devices have been realized in the configurations 640x512 in a 24 mu m pitch for mid and long wave applications using either a MCT photovoltaic (PV) array for the MWIR or a QWIP device for the LWIR, respectively. The existing 256x256 MCT MWIR was redesigned in a new configuration with increased fill factor of >80% for improved NETD performance. The MCT units provide fast full frame rates up to >100Hz for the 640x512 units and 200Hz for the 256x256 units. The modules achieve with short snapshot integration times of typically 1ms excellent thermal resolutions with an average NETD < 25mK for the 640x512 and NETD < 9mK for the 256x256 modules. The QWIP units are operated in either a rolling frame or snapshot integration mode with typical frame rates of 60Hz and reach a thermal resolution NETD < 25mK for full frame integration times. The FPA's are integrated up to modules using AIM's standard dewar cooler and command/control electronics (CCE) family. The package is basically identical to the existing large FPA modules like the PtSi640x486 or the QWIP or MCT 256x256 in 40 mu m pitch and is cooled by AIM's 1W split linear cooler. The CCE of the modules provides the common exclusively digital interface, using 14 Bit analog to digital conversion to provide state of the art correctability, access to highly dynamic scenes without any loss of information and simplified interchangeability of the units. The main features of these modules are summarized together with measured performance data.