Low-cost PbSalt FPAs

Current mid-wave infrared detector technologies, such as Indium Antimonide, Mercury Cadmium Telluride, and Platinum Silicide, require the use of expensive, heavy, and power hungry cryogenic coolers or expensive multistage thermoelectric coolers. There is a need for a low cost uncooled mid-wave infrared (MWIR) technology for use in applications where cost, power, size, and reliability are of most importance. Northrop Grumman Electro-Optical Systems (EOS) is currently developing such a sensor based upon its low cost Lead Selenide (PbSe) detector technology. Utilizing its extensive production experience in producing high performance linear PbSe arrays, EOS has developed a 320X256 staring PbSe Focal Plane Array. This paper provides a summary and status of the development efforts and associated performance of EOS' new PbSe FPA's.