Uncooled infrared focal plane arrays

Night vision technology is present in most military systems used today. The sensors range from night vision goggles to high performance infrared target acquisition and tracking systems. With the importance placed upon night vision, lower cost and wider availability of night vision technology is an important consideration. Infrared sensors, which do not require cryogenic cooling, have many of these assets. Recently, the excellent imaging performance of uncooled infrared has captured the attention of many system users, and new applications are rapidly emerging. This paper reviews these application areas, explores new possibilities, and assesses the technology underway to further expand the realm of uncooled infrared imaging. Technological advances, both in the sensor technology and the interface with the imaging system, will expand the use of uncooled infrared sensors into additional military and commercial applications.