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Numerous infrared scene projection technologies have been investigated since the 1970s. Notably, from the late 1980s the development of the first resistor array infrared projectors gained leverage from the strong concurrent developments within focal plane array imaging technology, linked by the common need for large integrated circuits comprising a 2-dimensional array of interconnected unit cells. In the resistor array case, it is the unit cell comprising the resistively heated emitter and its dedicated drive circuit that determines the projector response to its associated scene generator commands. In this paper we review the development of resistor array technology from a historical perspective, concentrating on the unit cell developments. We commence by describing the technological innovations that forged the way, sharing along the way stories of the successes and failures, all of which contributed to the steady if somewhat eventful growth of the critical knowledge base that underpins the strength of today's array technology. We conclude with comments on the characteristics and limitations of the technology and on the prospects for future array development.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Future types of direct detection LADAR seekers will employ focal plane arrays in their receivers. Existing LADAR scene projection technology cannot meet the needs of testing these types of seekers in a Hardware-in-the-Loop environment. It is desired that the simulated LADAR return signals generated by the projection hardware be representative of the complex targets and background of a real LADAR image. A LADAR scene projector has been developed that is capable of meeting these demanding test needs. It can project scenes of simulated 2D LADAR return signals without scanning. In addition, each pixel in the projection can be represented by a 'complex' optical waveform, which can be delivered with sub-nanosecond precision. Finally, the modular nature of the projector allows it to be configured to operate at different wavelengths. This paper describes the LADAR Scene Projector and its full capabilities.

The MSSP program is a tri-service development of a capability for test and evaluation of multi-spectral seeker systems. At the conclusion of the project, each service will be equipped with an MSSP system specifically tailored to meet its specific test and facility requirements.

In the past year, Honeywell has developed a 512 X 512 snapshot scene projector containing pixels with very high radiance efficiency. The array can operate in both snapshot and raster mode. The array pixels have near black body characteristics, high radiance outputs, broad band performance, and high speed. IR measurements and performance of these pixels will be described. In addition, a vacuum probe station that makes it possible to select the best die for packaging and delivery based on wafer level radiance screening, has been developed and is in operation. This system, as well as other improvements, will be described. Finally, a review of the status of the present projectors and plans for future arrays is included.

Resistive emitter arrays are formed via the fabrication of microemitters on Si CMOS electronics. These IR emitter arrays using microstructures have been developed at Honeywell to project scenes for a wide range of applications. A new array which has been fabricated has a size of 544 X 672 pixels. Other arrays producing very high apparent temperatures in excess of 700 K have also been fabricated. Arrays have been fabricated for projecting low background scenes achieved through cryogenic operation. All arrays are designed to project IR radiation over the full MWIR and LWIR spectral bands. Individual arrays and their emission properties will be described. Array properties at different substrate temperatures will be described. Advances in packaging of these different array types will also be discussed.

An addressable mosaic array of resistively heated microbridges offers the potential to project accurate dynamic infrared (IR) imagery. The main purpose of this imagery is to be used in the evaluation of IR instruments from seekers to FLIRs. With the growing development of lower cost uncooled IR imagers, scene projectors also offer the potential for dynamic testing of these new instruments. In past years we have described developments in a variety of IR projectors systems designed for different purposes. In this paper we will describe recent developments in these technologies aimed at improving or understanding temporal and radiative performance.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Kinetic energy weapon (KEW) programs under the Ballistic Missile Defense Office (BMDO) need high fidelity, fast framing infrared (IR) imaging seekers. As imaging sensors have matured to support BMDO, the complexity of functions assigned to the KEW weapon systems has amplified the necessity for robust hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation facilities to reduce program risk. Tactical weapon systems are also turning to imaging focal plane array (FPA) seekers. They too require more sophisticated HWIL testing. The IR projector, an integral component of a HWIL simulation, must reproduce the real world with enough fidelity that the unit-under-tests's (UUT) software will respond to the projected scenario of images as though it were viewing the real world. The MOSFET resistor array IR scene projector shows great promise in cryogenic vacuum chamber as well as room temperature testing. Under the wideband infrared scene projector (WISP) program, an enhanced version of the resistor array is currently under development. When the WISP system is delivered, the projector will consist of a 512 by 512 baseline array with the center 128 by 128 resistors having a higher output capability. For the development stage of the program, 512 by 512 prototype baseline and 128 by 128 prototype high dynamic range (HDR) arrays have been fabricated separately. Characterization measurements to include: spectral output, dynamic range capability, apparent temperature, rise time, fall time, cross talk, and current consumption have been accomplished on the prototype baseline and HDR arrays at the Kinetic Kill Vehicle Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulator (KHILS) Facility and the Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility (GWEF). Results from the measurements show the HDR array dynamic range is an order of magnitude greater than its predecessor. Other parameters such as droop, rise time, etc., either meet or are close to meeting system specifications. The final design of the arrays is currently in progress based on these results.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

An addressable mosaic array of resistively heated microbridges offers much flexibility for infrared scene simulations. In the Wide Band Infrared Scene Projector program, Honeywell has demonstrated high yield arrays up to size 512 X 512 capable of room temperature operation for a 2 band infrared projection system being designed and built by Contraves Inc. for the Wright Laboratory Kinetic Kill Vehicle Hardware In-the-Loop Simulator facility at Eglin Air Force Base, FL. The arrays contain two different pixel designs, one pixel designed for kHz frame rates and high radiance achieved at a power level of 2.5 mWatts/pixel and the other pixel designed for more moderate 100 Hz frame rates at lower radiance and at maximum power levels of 0.7 mWatts/pixels. Tests on arrays and pixels have demonstrated dynamic ranges up to 850:1, radiance rise times on the order of 2 mseconds, and broadband pixel emissivities in the range of 70%. Arrays have been fabricated with less than 0.1% pixel outages and no row or column defects. These arrays are mounted in a specialized vacuum assembly containing an IR window, vacuum package, cooling block, and pump out manifold.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Kinetic energy weapon (KEW) programs under the Ballistic Missile Defense Office (BMDO) need high fidelity, fast framing infrared (IR) imaging seekers. As imaging sensors have matured to support BMDO, the complexity of functions assigned to the KEW weapon systems has amplified the necessity for robust hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation facilities to reduce program risk. The IR projector, an integral component of a HWIL simulation, must reproduce the real world with enough fidelity that the unit under test's (UUT) software will respond to the projected scenario of images as though it were viewing the real world. The CMOS resistor array IR scene projector, a wideband flickerless technology, shows great promise in cryogenic vacuum chamber as well as room temperature testing. A 128 X 128 CMOS resistor array has undergone extensive characterization measurements at Eglin AFB to determine its potential for HWIL testing of BMDO IR seekers. This paper addresses the nonuniformity correction (NUC) and use of the array in a calibrated projection test. The methodology and process for the NUC is described. Sensitivities to such things as output averaging, and optical sampling are explained. With the NUC procedure established, a test was accomplished that provided calibrated scene radiance values to a UUT. Absolute radiance values were not projected. Rather, the array's low and high output capabilities were equated to the low and high radiance values of an input scene. A calibration curve was established that allowed the UUT's output to be equated to the input scene's radiance values. The input scene was projected to the UUT, and the scene's radiance values were reproduced after applying the calibration curve to the UUT's output response. To the authors' knowledge, this if the first accomplishment of such a test with a dynamic IR scene projector.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

A mosaic array of resistively heated microbridges offers flexibility for infra red scene simulations. The array may operate without flicker and display high-intensity dynamic scenes over a wide bandwidth. Honeywell completed fabrication of a 512 X 512 resistor array with 3.5 mils pitch for AEDC's 7V and 10V test chambers. The emitter has a broad bandwidth covering from 2 micrometers to 26 micrometers . The array operates at 20 K to simulate low radiation backgrounds in space. Up to 16,000 pixels may be turned on to simulate targets and target clusters. Each emitter element may heat up to 550 K with 1 kelvin resolution. The maximum power dissipation per pixel is 830 (mu) W for a pixel heated up to 550 K. The maximum power required is 13.2 watts for 16,000 pixels. This low power capability is derived from Honeywell's silicon nitride microbridge structure. Each emitter has approximately 85% fill factor and an average emissivity of 70% over the 2 - 26 micrometers bandwidth. Defect count in the array is less than 1% with one column out. The array may be addressed at 30 frames per second.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Advanced infrared (IR) guided weapons, such as Theater High Altitude AreaDefense (THAAD) and AGM 65, require a robust multispectral JR hardware-in-the-looptesting capability for high fidelity performance characterization and pre-flight and post-flight evaluation. The Kinetic Kill Vehicle Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulator (KHILS)facility, Munition Seeker and Evaluation Technology Branch (WL/MNGI), Eglin AFB,FL, provides the capability for the non-destructive performance testing of precision guidedmunition systems and subsystems. Particularly challenging is the development of sceneprojectors to stimulate JR imaging seekers with inband photons as an element ofhardware-in-the-loop (closed-loop) guidance and control tests. JR scene projectorscurrently have limitations in radiometric power, resolution, response time, spectral bandcoverage, flicker control, and uniformity. Although today's projectors have overcomesome ofthese limitations, the advances have been achieved through technology tradessuch as flicker control and spectral band coverage in laser projectors and radiometricpower, flicker control and response time in the liquid crystal light valve projectors.WL/MNGI is developing a spectrally tailorable JR scene projector under the WISPprogram that overcomes the need for the limiting trades of the past, providing the mostrobust and flexible design to date.1.0 INTRODUCTIONWL/MNGI's KHILS facility has been designated as a national test facility for theBallistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO). An important requirement for testingseekers is an accurate representation of the target and background. Through R&Dprograms, JR scene projector technologies have been demonstrated to show such desirablequalities as broad spectral emissions, flickerless images, high frame rates, and large

Honeywell and MRC have been developing a range of thermal scene projector arrays through the Wright Laboratory Armament Directorate's cryovacuum resistive infrared scene projector (CRISP) program and the Defense Nuclear Agency's nuclear optical dynamic display system (NODDS) program. The resistive emitters are fabricated on silicon nitride structures on pitches as small as 2 mils. These structures have low thermal mass, low thermal conductance, and high fill factor. Monolithic address and pixel storage electronics provide flicker-free operation of large arrays at high frame rates. The emitters have demonstrated > 600 K blackbody temperatures, high radiance, and > 103 dynamic range at very low power when operated at 40 K temperatures to achieve low background. This paper describes the performance of a CRISP 512 X 512 array consisting of 3.5 mil pixels and a high-speed 128 X 128 NODDS array consisting of ultra-low-power emitters.