What is an FPA?
An
FPA or focal plane array is an optical sensor placed at the focal
plane of an optical system such as a camera, spectrometer or telescope.
The
focal plane array is composed of an optical detector, which
can be designed and manufactured to be sensitive to ultraviolet
(UV), visible (VIS), or infrared (IR). This detector is combined
with a read out integrated circuit (ROIC) or multiplexer which
allows the electronic access of every pixel in the array.
Various
types of ROICs are currently available with up to 2048x2048
pixels (4,194,304 total). This particular device contains over
13 million transistors and is the largest IR FPA in production
in the world today.
What is a hybrid?
A hybrid is composed of a detector and a multiplexer. These two components
are manufactured separately and then mated using a proprietary process
which allows the connection of each pixel of the detector to be electrically
connected to its own read out circuit via Indium columns. The detector
material can be Mercury Cadmium Telluride. A fill factor (fraction of area
of the detector which is photo-electrically active) of nearly 100% is obtained.
Also, both the detector and ROIC are optimized in their respective materials.
What is an ROIC
or multiplexer?
A ROIC (read out integrated circuit) or multiplexer is an array of read out
circuits which is built using state-of-the-art semiconductor lithography processes.
These are available in array sizes from 64x64 pixels through 2048x2048 pixels
as well as in standard SVGA format of 640x480. Various types of multiplexer
unit cell designs are available including designs for low noise astronomy applications
and for higher background flux applications where a larger storage well capacity
is required.
How do we do business?
- We
always deliver on our commitments.
- We
support our customers after delivery.
- We
design and fabricate our own ROIC's.
- We
grow our own detector material and do our own processing.
- We
fabricate and deliver sensors, subsystems and systems.
- We
perform both fixed price contracts and development contracts.
- We
offer training for our customers.
For
more information contact us at:
imaging@teledyne-si.com |
