BIRD640 : SCD's High Sensitivity VGA VOx μ-Bolometer Detector

In this paper we report preliminary data of BIRD640 , which is a high-sensitivity (50 mK @ F/1, 60Hz) VGA format detector with 25 μm pitch. This high performance is achieved by utilizing an improved pixel design. The product is architecturally compatible to BIRD384 and contains SCD's proprietary unique features (e.g. Power-Save, Ambient drift compensation, etc.). The ROIC architecture follows the framework of the previous designs. It consists of an internal timing machine with a single clock that facilitates the system interface. Extensive effort was invested in reducing the detector and system power dissipation. The ROIC supports special low modes, where considerable power is saved with only minor performance degradation. With its superior temporal sensitivity, long-term stability and operational flexibility BIRD640 serves as an ideal candidate for high end and high resolution uncooled VGA systems, particularly hand-held applications.