A 640 × 486 Long-Wavelength Infrared Camera

A rectangular integrated-circuit focal-plane array of 640 × 486 GaAs/AlxGa1 -xAs quantum-well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) constitutes the image sensor in an experimental long-wavelength infrared camera. This is the first long-wavelength infrared camera containing photodetectors in a focal-plane array that enables imaging in a format similar to that of standard television. The camera, which is sensitive to wavelengths between 8 and 9 µm, can be operated in a staring, snapshot, or video mode.