DRS to enhance FPAs for DARPA
DARPA has awarded a contract to DRS Technologies to improve its infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs) as part of the Lambda Scale programme, the company announced on 23 May.
DRS will improve the performance of its ultra-small pixel FPAs to enhance technology to help improve pilot visibility in conditions that cause safety concerns.
The Lambda Scale programme focuses on reducing conventional infrared detector pixel pitch in order to reduce the size, weight and power of the systems, including distributed aviation sensors and handheld sights.
FPAs are made using thin-film deposition technology and a patented high-density capacitance process, forming a high-density, 3D capacitor structure on Readout Integrated Circuits (ROICs). DRS has already demonstrated this approach on 5um and 6um pitch sensors, showing that larger pixel count FPAs with increased resolution are feasible in small tactical packages that enable smaller system footprints.
Shawn Black, vice president and general manager, DRS Infrared Sensors and Systems, said: ‘DRS continues to develop innovative ways to increase pixel count in cooled and uncooled infrared sensors to bring our customer a significant advantage in the field. This new process opens the door to revolutionary advances in the design of infrared imaging systems of the future.
‘These are substantial improvements in infrared sensor capability for mission-critical applications, such as the degraded visual environments that helicopters experience, where image quality and clarity could prove to be critical to the safety of our helicopter pilots and crew members.’
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