Christopher J. Zins

Innovations in IR projector arrays

In the past year, Honeywell has developed a 512 X 512 snapshot scene projector containing pixels with very high radiance efficiency. The array can operate in both snapshot and raster mode. The array pixels have near black body characteristics, high radiance outputs, broad band performance, and high speed. IR measurements and performance of these pixels will be described. In addition, a vacuum probe station that makes it possible to select the best die for packaging and delivery based on wafer level radiance screening, has been developed and is in operation. This system, as well as other improvements, will be described. Finally, a review of the status of the present projectors and plans for future arrays is included.

Uncooled MEMS-based detector arrays for THz imaging applications

We report experimental results on recently developed MEMS-based, uncooled THz detectors and imaging applications for linear focal plane arrays constructed from them. The detector incorporates a broadband micro-antenna coupled to an impedance-matched microbridge. Micro-antennas were fabricated having cut-on frequencies of 500GHz, 650GHz, and 1.5THz, each with bandwidth of several hundred GHz. Sensitivity and frequency response of the detectors is predicted to be ~6pW/√Hz (with backplane) and 7kHz, respectively, and supporting measurements of the first devices will be presented. Fully integrated 1x8 linear focal plane arrays have been assembled and will be used in on-going imaging demonstrations.

MEMS-based uncooled THz detectors for staring imagers

We review our previous work to develop an uncooled THz detector capable of achieving an NEΔT ~0.5K at 30Hz frame rate and describe our approach to develop a staring THz camera based on a 2D array of such detectors. Both predicted and measured results of performance metrics (responsivity, NEP, response time, spectral bandwidth, NEΔT) are presented. The measured performance agrees reasonably well with predictions and is consistent with attaining our NEΔT goal. Thus far, 1x4 detector arrays have been fabricated, and 1x8 focal plane arrays have been developed and tested. We briefly discuss our vision to achieve a128x128 detector array needed for a practical staring THz imager and describe the technology challenges needed to realize it.

Passive uncooled subMMW focal plane array imager for person-borne explosives detection

We review our previous work to develop an uncooled subMMW detector capable of achieving an NEΔT ~0.5K at 30Hz frame rate and describe our approach to develop a staring subMMW camera based on a 2D array of such detectors. Both predicted and measured results of performance metrics (responsivity, NEP, response time, spectral bandwidth, NEΔT) are presented. The measured performance agrees reasonably well with predictions and is consistent with attaining our NEΔT goal. Thus far, 1×4 detector arrays have been fabricated, and 1×8 focal plane arrays have been developed and tested. We briefly discuss our vision to achieve a128×128 detector array needed for a practical staring subMMW imager and describe the technology challenges needed to realize it.

High-speed large-area pixels compatible with 200-Hz frame rates

Honeywell has developed a high-speed infrared emitter pixel and implemented the design on two 512 X 512 scene projector array designs. This pixel is a faster version of the original Gen-III Gossamer pixel implemented on previous 512 X 512 arrays. The new pixel has a 10% - 90% rise time under 4 milliseconds, enabling a dramatic increase in scene projection frame rates over currently available arrays. Full array frame rates of 200 Hz are not practical and subarrays can be driven up to 400 Hz. In spite of the increased speed, the array still maintains high brightness using the same CMOS electronics. This design and other array developments will be described.