Precision Photonic Readout for Focal Plane Signals
Abstract
We will present the development of a remote Precision Photonic Readout for Focal Plane Array Detectors. Its underlying principles, design and tests as well as limitations will be discussed. The design, in essence, constitutes a remote, via fiber optics, analog-to-digital converter, where the low level focal plane signals are encoded as differential optical phase shifts. These phase shifts are then recovered as digital numbers at a location external to the detector dewar. The input transducer, a waveguide modulator is electrically passive with a response, which is absolute and unaffected by temperature. The design also provides for nearly complete EMI immunity and appears to be tolerant to radiation effects. As presently comprised it can satisfy the requirements of resolution, precision, bandwidth and dynamic range for all existing Focal Plane Imagers, as well as for future ones under development. Its small size, negligible mass and minimal heatload contribute to its use where these factors are important. We present quantitative data supporting these points, as well as visible and IR Imagery, which were obtained and transmitted off the focal plane by a prototype design.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA390466
Entities
People
- Alex Newburgh
- Geert Wyntjes
- Thomas Hudson