Low-SWaP SWIR ALPD Product Development At SUI

As demand for infrared laser sensors grows, Sensors Unlimited Inc. (SUI), an RTX company, has developed cost-effective, readily manufacturable short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging systems for asynchronous laser pulse detection (ALPD). These advancements focus on enhancing performance while reducing costs to enable high-volume production and broad deployment.

SUI’s latest ALPD products leverage its multi-mode tracking (MMT) readout integrated circuit (ROIC) technology, originally introduced in 2017, which allows simultaneous tracking of multiple pulsed laser spots within the field of view. Recent innovations have adapted these detectors for uncooled operation across a wide temperature range, eliminating the need for expensive thermoelectric cooling. Additionally, the transition to a chip-on-board configuration removes the need for windowed packaging, further lowering costs and improving device reliability. Automated fabrication processes have also been implemented to enhance production efficiency and ensure device uniformity.

These improvements expand ALPD capabilities, including increased detection range, improved thermal tolerance, the ability to track more laser spots simultaneously, and enhanced diagnostic functions for spot-tracking performance. The result is a more versatile and scalable solution for military and commercial applications requiring high-performance laser tracking and imaging. By optimizing manufacturability and performance, SUI continues to push the boundaries of SWIR sensor technology, reinforcing its leadership in the field of infrared imaging.