Optically blocked reference pixels for focal plane arrays

US7375331B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Thomas R. Schimert · Ovilla, US
• Athanasios J. Syllaios · Richardson, US
• Roland W. Gooch · Dallas, US
• William L. McCardel · Plano, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 23, 2007
• Grant date: May 20, 2008
• Expiry date: Jul 23, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10F39/809
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods for making optically blind reference pixels and systems employing the same. The reference pixels may be configured to be identical to, or substantially identical to, the active detector elements of a focal plane array assembly. The reference pixels may be configured to use the same relatively longer thermal isolation legs as the active detector pixels of the focal plane, thus eliminating joule heating differences. An optically blocking structure may be placed in close proximity directly over the reference pixels.