Antenna-coupled microbolometer millimeter wave focal plane array technology

Objective To develop a useful, low cost, passive millimeter wave imaging system through batch processing of an integrated 2D antenna-coupled microbolometer focal plane array. To achieve high array sensitivity through sampling and post detection signal processing techniques adapted to this type of array. Approach A review will be given of the thermal bridge and bolometer combination that is being developed, and the rationale for choosing the materials making up the bridge. The bolometer material and the bias circuitry for low noise and low power consumption will be discussed. An antenna design is also being developed, and will be discussed. Each receiver must satisfy multiple requirements. It must have a large RF bandwidth, match the feed from the imaging system, and also allow for close packing on the focal plane. The overall receiver geometry must provide for a convenient vacuum environment for the thermal bridges along with a ready access of the ROIC to the bolometer signals. The approach taken to achieve this will be discussed. An overview will also be given of the array geometry, the sampling strategy, and the signal processing approach taken for maximizing thermal sensitivity of passive millimeter wave video on a dynamic platform.