Multielement IR FPA for new-generation IR LIDARs

Abstract

Design of a new silicon readout circuit for infrared focal plane array (IR FPA) detectors which, alongside with the formation of thermographic images, offers an additional function of direct measurement of the time of fight of optical signals due to reflected laser pulses is reported. Such multielement IR FPA detectors enable the formation of three-dimensional images (via determination of the distance to the objects), and they form the basis for new-generation IR LIDARs.