Solid state pyroelectric imager

A long wavelength infrared imaging system is under development at Loral Infrared & Imaging Systems. The imager features a solid state pyroelectric focal plane array sensitive to 8 - 14 micrometers radiation operating at ambient temperature; it needs no cooling or temperature control to obtain performance comparable to conventional cooled FLIR systems. The focal plane array is fabricated as a hybrid structure with a fully reticulated lithium tantalate detector array bump mounted to a CMOS multiplexer. The optical, thermal, and electrical design of the focal plane array is described in detail. The prototype imaging system uses a focal plane array of 192 X 128 pixels on 50 micrometers centers. The next version will use a focal plane with approximately 330 X 240 pixels for full NTSC (U.S. standard television) compatibility. The design of the prototype imaging system is described. The predicted noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) for these systems is less than 0.1 degree(s)C with f/1 optics at a 30 Hz display rate.