Space qualification of a 512x3 pixel uncooled microbolometer FPA

We have previously reported on the initial development of a multi-linear uncooled microbolometer FPA for space applications. The IRL512 FPA features three parallel lines of 512 pixels on a 39 micron pixel pitch with parallel integration of all pixels, a complete detector bridge per pixel for offset and substrate temperature drift compensation, and one 14-bit digital output bus per line. The FPA achieves an NETD below 45 mK over the LWIR spectral band with 50 ms integration time, 300 K scene temperature, and f/0.87 optics. In the context of the NIRST instrument for the upcoming SAC-D/Aquarius earth observation mission, MWIR and LWIR optimized versions of the IRL512 in radiometric packages including integrated stripe filter and radiation shield have recently successfully undergone screening and qualification campaigns. The qualification strategy consists of part element and device qualification including proton and total dose radiation, shock, vibration, burn-in, and thermal cycling. The test conditions and results will be reviewed. The thermal resolution of the current generation of radiometrically packaged IRL512 FPA in the NIRST instrument is below 500 mK with an 0.9 micron spectral bandwidth centred at 10.85 μm, 50 ms integration time, the NIRST f/1 optics, and 300 K scene temperature.