Multi-resolution uncooled microbolometer focal plane array

A multiple resolution focal plane array, the multiple resolution focal plane array comprising:

• a focal plan array comprising a plurality of bolometers arranged into a plurality of columns and rows and a readout integrated circuit connected to said plurality of bolometers,
• wherein said readout integrated circuit is configured to accumulate signal-induced current collected from each bolometer during an integration interval and then transfer the resultant signal onto output taps for readout, and
• wherein said readout integrated circuit is configured to allow a selection between at least two bolometer configurations, a first configuration where bolometers are combined into super pixels comprising N×N series/parallel groupings of bolometers and a second configuration where said bolometers are used individually, forming pixels comprising only a single bolometer,
• wherein selection between the at least two bolometer configurations is enabled by connecting detector common and column bus lines of adjacent columns of the readout integrated circuit with switches, and
• wherein said switches are added below a bottom portion of the focal plane array.

A multiple resolution focal plane array, the multiple resolution focal plane array comprising:

• a focal plan array comprising a plurality of bolometers arranged into a plurality of columns and rows and a readout integrated circuit connected to said plurality of bolometers,
• wherein said readout integrated circuit is configured to accumulate signal-induced current collected from each bolometer during an integration interval and then transfer the resultant signal onto output taps for readout, and
• wherein said readout integrated circuit is configured to allow a selection between at least two bolometer configurations, a first configuration where bolometers are combined into super pixels comprising N×N series/parallel groupings of bolometers and a second configuration where said bolometers are used individually, forming pixels comprising only a single bolometer,
• wherein selection between the at least two bolometer configurations is enabled by connecting detector common and column bus lines of adjacent columns of the readout integrated circuit with switches,
• wherein said switches are added below a bottom portion of the focal plane array, and
• wherein said bolometers connected in series are connected to one another by thermal contacts only and bolometers connected in parallel are connected to the readout integrated circuit and to adjacent series-connected bolometers by thermal/electrical contacts, when in said first configuration.