Cooled large IR staring arrays : towards third generation

摘要

SOFRADIR has moved to large quantity production for 2.5 generation IR detectors (320x256 format) since 2001. The move from 2nd generation to 2.5 generation IR detectors, mainly for MWIR applications, has been successfully achieved at SOFRADIR thanks to improvements of the technologies fully dedicated to performance improvements as well as production capacity increase for staring arrays. Then, in order to prepare future military and industrial needs, SOFRADIR is working in close relationship with CEA-LETI/LIR on third generation development based on HgCdTe materials. This effective approach is one of the keys to success in preparing third generation IR detectors. Three main areas are investigated for the third generation IR detectors: large IRFPA manufacturing following a cost effective approach, development of new ER detector structures and design of new silicon readout circuits. Developments in progress are presented regarding these main areas.