Abstract
Over the last two decades the size and complexity of focal plane arrays have increased significantly. At the same time array specifications are typically cast in terms of detector response, PSF, uniformity, noise, and frame rate derived from simulations of the sensor. FPAs are tested and calibrated for meeting these specifications. Our past test experience during many programs (Clementine, Brilliant Pebbles, EKV and SM3) suggests that this approach does not fully evaluate the ability of the FPA to perform in the actual system. To address this issue the authors, in collaboration with many others, began developing approaches to sensor calibration and testing that address performance as well as calibration at the FPA level. This work led to the development of dynamic scene based testing that can also include other FPA response modes (saturation, radiation, RF, and laser). Currently our two companies are developing multicolor FPA test and calibration capability housed at Aeroflex RAD Longmire Laboratory in Colorado Springs. The IR sensor test facility comprises of:
• Stand-alone FPA calibration dewar including electronics and data collection
• Large cryogenic vacuum test chamber housing the optical layout below including
• Two sets of independent wavebands dynamic scene projection hardware
• Independent black body channel to provide transfer standard and pedestal for further testing
• Flash (saturation) channel for testing FPA recovery from a blinding flash
• Control and data collection electronics supporting testing of many FPAs
• Data analysis software that evaluates FPA data including mission level analysis
The facility supports cryogenic low IR background testing required for space applications. The facility is also capable of investigating space radiation effects relevant to many space-based sensors by combining in house and external radiation sources with the present capability. In this paper we will present several case studies demonstrating the need for performance testing at the FPA level. We then describe in detail our existing laboratory and the motivation for each element in the lab set up. Finally we shall discuss the usage of the facility including the plans for future testing and the needed supporting technologies. The proposed performance test approach will be presented.
A Balloon-Borne Light Source for Precision Photometric Calibration
Over the last two decades the size and complexity of focal plane arrays have increased significantly. At the same time array specifications are typically cast in terms of detector response, PSF, uniformity, noise, and frame rate derived from simulations of the sensor. FPAs are tested and calibrated for meeting these specifications. Our past test experience during many programs (Clementine, Brilliant Pebbles, EKV and SM3) suggests that this approach does not fully evaluate the ability of the FPA to perform in the actual system. To address this issue the authors, in collaboration with many others, began developing approaches to sensor calibration and testing that address performance as well as calibration at the FPA level. This work led to the development of dynamic scene based testing that can also include other FPA response modes (saturation, radiation, RF, and laser). Currently our two companies are developing multicolor FPA test and calibration capability housed at Aeroflex RAD Longmire Laboratory in Colorado Springs. The IR sensor test facility comprises of:
• Stand-alone FPA calibration dewar including electronics and data collection
• Large cryogenic vacuum test chamber housing the optical layout below including
• Two sets of independent wavebands dynamic scene projection hardware
• Independent black body channel to provide transfer standard and pedestal for further testing
• Flash (saturation) channel for testing FPA recovery from a blinding flash
• Control and data collection electronics supporting testing of many FPAs
• Data analysis software that evaluates FPA data including mission level analysis
The facility supports cryogenic low IR background testing required for space applications. The facility is also capable of investigating space radiation effects relevant to many space-based sensors by combining in house and external radiation sources with the present capability. In this paper we will present several case studies demonstrating the need for performance testing at the FPA level. We then describe in detail our existing laboratory and the motivation for each element in the lab set up. Finally we shall discuss the usage of the facility including the plans for future testing and the needed supporting technologies. The proposed performance test approach will be presented.