Thermal infrared array, phase 1. Volume 1: Technical

Abstract

The recommended design configuration for the focal plane array of a 1,000 element linear pushbroom system consists of 32 modules; the complete configuration is built by butting together two 1024 linear arrays. Each of the linear arrays is formed by edge butting 16 modules together. By staggering the modules of the two rows, the channel outages which occur where the modules are edge butted can be eliminated. Two stages TDI operation is performed by the post processing electronics, which reduces the design complexity of the focal plane. Systems studies show that: (1) a single focal plane design can satisfy both the LEO and SEOS mission configurations; (2) available optical designs can meet mission goals; (3) MTF can be traded with optical complexity in a future study; (4) a chopping mechanism can be devised to modifying modulate radiation to a 4-inch focal plane as well as insert two calibration sources at the required frequencies for chopping and calibration; (5) radiative cooling technology should be suitable for a future sensor in either mission configuration; and (6) cold shielding is not a requirement.