History of resistor array infrared projectors: hindsight is always 100% operability

Numerous infrared scene projection technologies have been investigated since the 1970s. Notably, from the late 1980s the development of the first resistor array infrared projectors gained leverage from the strong concurrent developments within focal plane array imaging technology, linked by the common need for large integrated circuits comprising a 2-dimensional array of interconnected unit cells. In the resistor array case, it is the unit cell comprising the resistively heated emitter and its dedicated drive circuit that determines the projector response to its associated scene generator commands. In this paper we review the development of resistor array technology from a historical perspective, concentrating on the unit cell developments. We commence by describing the technological innovations that forged the way, sharing along the way stories of the successes and failures, all of which contributed to the steady if somewhat eventful growth of the critical knowledge base that underpins the strength of today's array technology. We conclude with comments on the characteristics and limitations of the technology and on the prospects for future array development.