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Photon Counting Arrays (PCAR)
Program Manager: Dr. Stuart Horn
This program supports revolutionary advances in imaging technology, which operates at extremely low levels of ambient illumination, from the visible through the short wave infrared. Imaging at extremely low levels of illumination, where images are obtained with only a few photon events, allows operation in a wide variety of difficult environments and imaging in conditions where current sensors are inadequate. Operating at or near the background photon fluctuation limit is the ultimate technology goal, with high quantum efficiency sensors that have photon counting capability.
Innovative techniques are being developed to achieve high gain with near-zero excess noise, compatible with a high-density array format. A large format array, with innovative small pixel design, provides the resolution necessary for high quality imaging at higher ambient illumination, and adequate signal-to-noise for imaging at low photon flux.
The sensitivity and resolution must be accompanied by high dynamic range and the ability to image in the presence of high intensity sources without image artifacts. The high-resolution sensor technology must include controls to limit cross talk between pixels, especially at high illumination.
Applications include unattended sensors, surveillance sights, and both air and ground micro-vehicles. Missions are envisioned from both stationary and mobile platforms. The mobile platform applications require sensors operating at a sufficiently high frame rate to eliminate smear in the image.