Space surveillance with medium-wave infrared sensors
Abstract
Recent advancements in the development of large focal-plane arrays (FPAs) have led to their configuration in a staring, rather than a scanning format, to achieve excellent thermal sensitivity in the medium-wavelength IR band (3-5 microns) where the atmospheric degradation of signals is minimal. A practical sensor of this type which would be applicable to space surveillance consists of a large staring array of Si Schottky-barrier detectors. The staring format of FPAs facilitates the design of small, reliable (either ground-based or spaceborne) sensors possessing both high sensitivity and wide coverage.
- Publication:
-
Lincoln Laboratory Journal
- Pub Date:
- 1988
- Bibcode:
- 1988LLabJ...1...75C
- Keywords:
-
- Infrared Detectors;
- Space Surveillance (Ground Based);
- Space Surveillance (Spaceborne);
- Charge Coupled Devices;
- Electron Energy;
- Infrared Imagery;
- Schottky Diodes;
- Visible Spectrum;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation