Date: Jan 15, 2008 Source: ARMY SBIR Success Stories (
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Soldiers need a solid-state silicon imaging camera that is equal to or exceeds the passive low light level performance of the current Gen III image intensifier (I2) man-portable imaging systems. Additionally, current I2 technology is bulky in size and weight and does not lend itself to be fused with other solid-state sensors. Because of this, the Army requires more advanced technology that is also smaller in size.
In response to this Army requirement, Fairchild Imaging developed a small, lightweight, low-power, solid-state video sensor with low light level imaging capability in the visible and near infrared band from 0.4 - 1.1microns. Fairchild Imaging has developed this technology in conjunction with the U.S. Army Night Vision Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) to address a critical need for a solid-state, low light level solution.
The core of this technology is Fairchild Imaging's Low Light Level Monolithic Complementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) Image Sensor (L3CIS). The sensor provides low noise, low power, and high sensitivity in the near infrared band and incorporates advanced built-in architecture such as active pixel, pinned photodiodes, and dual amplifiers and analog to digital converters that provide the high dynamic range (< 84db) and high resolution (5M pixel) required for continuous day and night applications. Because L3CIS is completely solid-state with no vacuum or cooling requirements, manufacturing and reliability advantages will be apparent.
With this technology, the Army can replace two separate imaging channels with one camera for continuous day and night operation. The L3CIS technology is targeted to be used on many Army platforms, including the Bradley Fighting Vehicle System and the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter. Other military programs where L3CIS technology has benefits are Common Sensor, Close Surveillance Support System (CS3), Sniper Night Sights, and the Apache EO Upgrade program. The first camera introduced, the Harrier 2051, provides high-performance, low-light level digital imaging for applications demanding high-resolution low light performance at video frame rates.
Phase III Impacts:
Fairchild Imaging received $500K from Army Program Manager Night Vision / Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (PM NV/RSTA) and $750K from the SBIR Commercialization Pilot Program. DoD prime contractors are developing systems that will incorporate the L3CIS into their manned and unmanned imaging applications. Fairchild Imaging also received $2M through spin-off L3CIS technology from commercial customers (primarily scientific markets - fluorescence microscopy) and anticipates strong sales of the L3CIS technology to industry leaders in both the commercial and military markets
