InGaAs Products: Focal Plane Arrays

Linear Arrays
A linear focal plane array is a row of individual detectors similar to those found in a facsimile machine or a document scanner. The difference, however, is that the InGaAs linear focal plane array detects light in the SWIR spectral range with Sensors Unlimited, Inc. arrays specifically supporting three ranges: 0.9 to 1.7 µm, 1.1 to 2.2 µm or 1.1 to 2.6 µm. Linear focal plane arrays are available in various sizes, defined by the detector height, pixel pitch and the number of pixels in the array. Linear focal plane arrays with 1024 square pixels are used for high-resolution imaging of fast-moving industrial processes. Linear focal plane arrays with tall pixels are widely used in optical spectrometers. Most of the focal plane arrays are available as components or installed in a Sensors Unlimited/Goodrich Line Scan camera (please visit the Line Scan Cameras web page by selecting the link.)

Linear Array Models
Descriptions of current product offerings are listed below, with links to summaries of their features and applications, along with links to printable product information sheets.

Now available in machine vision and spectroscopy formats, the extended wavelength LC-series linear InGaAs photodiode arrays have set the standard for high performance. Other applications include industrial process control and inspection in agricultural sorting, biomedical analysis and thermal imaging.

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Now available in machine vision and spectroscopy formats, the high-resolution LE-series linear InGaAs photodiode arrays have set the standard for high performance. Other applications include industrial process control and inspection in agricultural sorting, biomedical analysis and thermal imaging.

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The high resolution LDB/LSB series linear InGaAs photodiode arrays have set the standard for high performance in near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging applications. These arrays are widely used for optical performance monitoring of S, C & L band channels in DWDM networks. Other applications include agricultural sorting, biomedical analysis, thermal imaging and industrial process control.

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Extended InGaAs wavelength sensitivity to 2.2-µm makes these line-scan sensors ideal for thermal machine vision applications or for spectroscopy requiring sensitivity at the 1.95-µm water bands or 1.7-µm C-H bands. Such applications include agricultural sorting, remote sensing, geological imaging, biomedical analysis, thermal imaging, and industrial process control.

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Custom Focal Plane Arrays: 1- and 2-D formats

Goodrich custom focal plane arrays with PIN and/or avalanche photodiodes (APDs), can be designed for your application, utilizing a variety of geometries, pixel types, readouts and/or packages. Please see our Foundry Services web page for more information or call our sales department to discuss your needs.

Spectral Bands 0.9 to 1.7 µm, 1 to 2.2 µm and 1 to 2.55 µm
Goodrich optimized its standard material InGaAs linear arrays to deliver low noise and high uniformity with few dropouts while also delivering high quantum efficiency over the 0.9 to 1.7 um wavelength band. The arrays serve a large variety of industrial machine vision, hot process inspection, food inspection, telecommunications, moisture sensing, and spectroscopy applications. These arrays are offered packaged with 1-, 2-, or 3-stage thermoelectric cooling, or without a cooler for externally cooled applications.

For many agricultural, recycling and geological remote sensing applications, extended spectral range enables definitive chemical identification of materials for more effective sorting. Developing LIDAR and free-space communications techniques also require longer wavelength response. SUI provides two extended InGaAs wavelength ranges, with cutoff wavelengths of 2.2 and 2.5 microns, permitting the user to select the best range for their application. These arrays also are available with 1-, 2-, or 3-stage thermoelectric cooling or packaged for use in a cryogenic Dewar. The spectral response ranges are shown in the graphs of responsivity and quantum efficiency on this page.

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Pixel and Readout Formats
The wide range of array pixel and readout formats offered by SUI enables users to make the optimal match to their application. Pixel height, pixel pitch, number of pixels, and number of output taps are options selected by choosing between three major linear multiplexer models, the LX, LD and LE or their variations. The LD is offered in two variations, with the LDB version using the same anti-blooming structure used by the LE, LSE and LSB multiplexer types. This design serves applications with wide variations in intensity by preventing saturated pixels from affecting adjacent pixels; this is at the expense of higher power consumption by the array, which may be of concern for battery operated applications. The LSE and LSB multiplexer types are single output versions of the arrays, useful for spectroscopy applications to eliminate offsets between pixels when line rate and pixel pitch is less important. The chart below will help identify the version appropriate for your application.

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