Presents a comprehensive introduction to the selection, operation, and testing of infrared devices, including a description of modern detector assemblies and their operation

This book discusses how to use and test infrared and visible detectors. The book provides a convenient reference for those entering the field of IR detector design, test or use, those who work in the peripheral areas, and those who teach and train others in the field.

Chapter 1 contains introductory material. Radiometry is covered in Chapter 2. The author examines Thermal detectors in Chapter 3; the Classical photon detectors simple photoconductors and photovoltaics in Chapter 4; and Modern Photon Detectors in Chapter 5.  Chapters 6 through 8 consider respectively individual elements and small arrays of elements the readouts (ROICs) used with large imaging arrays; and Electronics for FPA Operation and Testing. The Test Set and The Testing Process are analyzed in Chapters 9 and 10, with emphasis on uncertainty and trouble shooting. Chapters 11 through 15 discuss related skills, such as Uncertainty, Cryogenics, Vacuum, Optics, and the use of Fourier Transforms in the detector business. Some highlights of this new edition are that it

Discusses radiometric nomenclature and calculations, detector mechanisms, the associated electronics, how these devices are tested, and real-life effects and problemsExamines new tools in Infrared detector operations, specifically: selection and use of ROICs, electronics for FPA operation, operation of single element and very small FPAs, microbolometers, and multi-color FPAsContains five chapters with frequently sought-after information on related subjects, such as uncertainty, optics, cryogenics, vacuum, and the use of Fourier mathematics for detector analyses

Fundamentals of Infrared and Visible Detector Operation and Testing, Second Edition, provides the background and vocabulary necessary to help readers understand the selection, operation, and testing of modern infrared devices.

John David Vincent: Consultant after 50 years as an IR test engineer and system engineer (SBRC, Amber Engineering, Raytheon Infrared Operations, FLIR-Indigo). His interests include uncertainty analysis, radiometrics, data analysis and presentation.

Steve Hodges (Principal Senior Scientist, Alion Science and Technology) has developed fire detection and suppression systems for 30 years.

John Vampola (Principal Engineering Fellow, Raytheon Vision Systems) has specialized in ROIC and FPA design and applications for 35 years.

Mark Stegall and Greg Pierce. (Founder and CEO respectively SE-IR Corporation, Goleta, CA) have designed and produced test electronics for FPA evaluation and imaging demonstrations for over 25 years.

Foreword ix

Preface xiii

About the Companion Website xv

Unit I Detector Basics 1

1 Introduction and Overview 3

2 Radiometry 25

3 Thermal Detectors: Mechanisms, Operation, and Performance 85

4 Classical Photon Detectors: Simple Photoconductor and Photovoltaics 105

5 Modern Photon Detectors 149

Unit II Detector Assemblies 171

6 Single Detector Assemblies and Small Arrays 173

7 Readout Integrated Circuits 191

8 Electronics for FPA Operation 237

Unit III Testing 257

9 Test Equipment 259

10 Detector Testing 315

Unit IV Related Skills 379

11 Measurements and Uncertainty 381

12 Cryogenics 407

13 Vacuum 441

14 Optics and Optical Materials 469

15 Fourier Analysis of Detector Problems 507

Appendix A Symbols, Abbreviations, and Acronyms 549

Index 553