Staring IR sensors. II

The evolution of the IR mosaic sensor is discussed in connection with some military applications, such as spaceborne target acquisition, fire control and reconnaissance. In the initial phase a linear photovoltaic HgCdTe 180-element IR/CCD array with TDI (time delay and integration) would be a plug-in replacement for the detector/dewar, with minimum changes in other modules. The S/N ratio will be improved not only by the TDI but also because each detector will have a higher performance. In a second phase the new IR/CCD array with TDI will be integrated with advanced image processing to provide increased sensitivity and relieve operator workload. In a further phase the use of mosaic focal planes will be combined with very large scale integrated signal and image processing chips to provide even greater capabilities at lower costs.