Infrared Focal Plane Arrays

1.0 Introduction and Purpose The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to identify and gather information on the state-of-the-art of Infrared (IR) Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs) and alternative technologies. This RFI seeks to survey the industry for available and emerging solutions, understand current capabilities, and identify key performance parameters of systems relevant to advanced sensing applications. The information gathered will be used for market research and to inform potential future program developments. This RFI is solely for information gathering and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation for proposals, abstracts, or quotations nor indicate an intent to fund those who respond with a future contract award. 2.0 Background DARPA is continually exploring technologies that provide revolutionary new capabilities to the warfighter. DARPA is interested in understanding trades of cost and area coverage for IR (3-14µm) staring (2-D) and scanning (TDI) focal plane arrays, where the principal axes are FPA size, number of systems, and total procurement cost for an operational capability. We are requesting information on FPAs to inform future systems. All relevant aspects of FPA performance are requested to ensure fair comparison of similar devices. These next-generation sensors may be integrated into a wide range of platforms in terrestrial, maritime, air, and space domains.