Infrared detector focal plane
AssigneeSanta Barbara Research Center
InventorsCharles A. Cockrum, Wallace Y. Kunimoto
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An infrared detector assembly (12) of the type used in munitions and night vision systems having an improved focal plane platform (10) construction. In accordance with this invention, the thermally conductive focal plane platform (10) supports a detector array (26) and integrated readout chips (28). The focal plane platform (10) includes relatively thermally non-conductive inserts (38) disposed in cavities (36) positioned generally below each integrated read out chip (28). The inserts insulate the chips (28) during cryogenic cooling of detector array (26). Freeze-out of the chips (28) is thereby inhibited.
Claims23
A detector assembly comprising:
- a housing for providing a thermally insulating enclosure;
- a mounting platform within said enclosure, said mounting platform being fabricated from a first material having relatively high thermal conductivity;
- an electromagnetic detector array mounted on said mounting platform for receiving electromagnetic radiation and generating an electrical signal in response thereto;
- at least one integrated readout circuit mounted on said mounting platform and electrically interconnected to said detector array for generating an electrical response to said electrical signal generated by said detector array;
- cooling means for cooling said mounting platform;
- insulating means for thermally insulating said integrated readout circuit from said cooling means;
- and
- whereby said mounting platform permits thermal communication between said detector array and said cooling means, and said insulating means inhibiting thermal communication between said integrated readout circuit and said cooling means.
A focal plane platform for supporting a detector array and an integrated readout circuit within a detector assembly, said detector assembly associated with a cryogenic cooling system for cooling said detector array, comprising:
- a mounting platform upon which said detector array and said integrated readout circuit are mounted, at first and second positions thereon, respectively, said mounting platform having relatively high thermal conductivity for providing thermal communication between said detector array and said cooling system;
- and
- insulating means for thermally insulating said integrated readout circuit from said cooling system.
A method of thermally insulating an integrated readout circuit during cooling of an electromagnetic detector array, said integrated readout circuit and detector array being supported on a focal plane platform within an evacuated dewar of an electromagnetic detector assembly, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a mounting platform having relatively high thermal conductivity, said detector array and integrated readout circuit being mounted and electrically interconnected on a first surface of said mounting platform;
- providing cooling means for thermally cooling said detector array to an operating temperature of at least about 80.degree. K.;
- providing insulating means, associated with a second surface of said mounting platform, for thermally insulating said integrated readout circuit from said cooling means;
- and
- whereby said mounting platform permits thermal communication between said detector array and said cooling means, and said insulating means inhibiting thermal communication between said integrated readout circuit and said cooling means to permit said integrated circuit to operate at an optimum temperature range greater than 80.degree. K.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.