Lockheed Martin Corporation

Gene Raymond Loefer

Jeffrey Winfield Scott

Robert James Martin

Nicholas J Pfister

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for attaching a close proximity filter to an FPA (focal plane array) and more particularly, to a method and apparatus that allows improved spectral discrimination of a mid-wave infra red (MWIR) detector by applying an improved multi-color filter to a focal plane array (FPA), while employing existing production equipment and techniques to reduce cost and improve production yield.

Method of making a close proximity filter and multi color MWIR sensor and resultant device

A quantum well infrared photodetector focal plane array is disclosed wherein each detector structure of the array comprises two vertically stacked quantum well layers. Each of the quantum well layers are individually biased by separate bias voltages and the separate bias voltages are modulated to produce two or more measurements at different spectral bands. Each detector structure of the array can therefore perform measurements of incident infrared energy in at least four separate spectral bands. This technique of measuring incident infrared energy in four separate spectral bands can advantageously be applied to the discrimination of hot gas sources from background infrared clutter.

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Orlando, FL, United States of America

Gene Raymond Loefer