SBIR-STTR Award

Infrared detection and imaging systems are required for measuring temperature profiles along the surface of models in a cryogenic environment, down to 100 K or less. Staring infrared arrays offer advantages over scanned arrays presently used for this application. This project will demonstrate the feasibility of installing a closed-cycle infrared camera system in a wind tunnel. The firm has successfully demonstrated gallium-doped silicon (Si:Ga) 128x128 element, long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) staring focal plane arrays (FPAs), with spectral coverage from 3-17 micrometers. A Si:Ga based LWIR imaging system will be used to image airplane models. A sensitivity of 0.02mK or better is predicted for Si:Ga at temperatures down to 100 K. The system's video electronics features variable frame rates (up to 217Hz) and integration times, and furnishes both raw digital data and RS-170 outputs for date recording purposes. It is anticipated that project results will show Si:Ga staring FPA technology is the optimal solution for test and research applications in cryogenic windtunnels. This project offers the near-term prospect of retrofitting wind tunnels with low-cost, high-performance LWIR camera systems.Commercial applications would apply in leak detection and imaging or similar low background scenes including satellite detection, detection of clear-air turbulence (commercial aircraft), discovery of leaks in pipelines (e.g., Alaska oil pipeline), constituent determination of earth and planetary atmospheres, and remote sensing of atmospheric and weather conditions.wind tunnel, LWIR, cryogenic, Si:GA, FPA, infrared, imaging, airplaneSTATUS: Phase I Only