BTDI Detector technology for reconnaissance application

Abstract

The Institute of Optical Sensor Systems (OS) at the Robotics and Mechatronics Center of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has more than 30 years of experience with high-resolution imaging technology. This paper shows the institute’s scientific results of the leading-edge detector design in a BTDI (Bidirectional Time Delay and Integration) architecture. This project demonstrates an approved technological design for high or multi-spectral resolution spaceborne instruments. DLR OS and BAESystems were driving the technology of new detectors and the FPA design for future projects, new manufacturing accuracy in order to keep pace with ambitious scientific and user requirements. Resulting from customer requirements and available technologies the current generation of space borne sensor systems is focussing on VIS/NIR high spectral resolution to meet the requirements on earth and planetary observation systems. The combination of large swath and high-spectral resolution with intelligent synchronization control, fastread out ADC chains and new focalplane concepts opens the door to new remotesensing and smart deep space instruments. The paper gives an overview of the detector development and verification program at DLR on detector module level, new control possibilities in synchronisation control mode, and key parameters like PRNU, DSNU, MTF, SNR, linearity, spectral response, quantum efficiency.