256 x 1 and 256 x 40 pixel bolometer arrays for space and industrial applications

Abstract

Linear bolometer arrays are well suited to industrial and space applications, where the object or scene may be convenientlyscanned by a conveyor or in a push-broom mode. The linear format facilitates the introduction of readout features notgenerally available in two-dimensional arrays. Such features include pixel by pixel offset and temperature drift compensation,as well as pixel-level filtering. The latter permits the filtering of detector noise down to a narrow bandwidth while preservinga high output bandwidth to allow oversampling. The former permits superior temperature drift compensation since each pixelmay have a dedicated, matched temperature sensing element.Three types of linear and quasi-linear bolometric detector arrays are being developed at INO within the framework of anR&D program jointly financed by INO and the Centre for Research in Earth and space Technology (CRESTech) of NorthYork (Ontario). The prototypes of these arrays, namely the 1RL256A, 1RL256B and 1RL256C are described in this paper.