ABSTRACT
The focal plane array (FPA) is the key of a spaceborne hyperspectral imager, as it dominates the sensitivity, resolution, and data quality of the imager. Modern innovative detector technologies offer optical system designers a broad range of choices of FPAs. In hyperspectral imaging systems, the detector array limits the performance. The optical design, cryogenics, and signal processing must satisfy the conditions of the FPA in order to achieve the performance. In selecting the detector technologies for a hyperspectral satellite, the performance requirements must flow down from the mission level to the instrument, from the instrument to the system, from the system to its subsystems, and from subsystems to components. The challenges associated with the applications of state-of-the-art detector arrays include optimization of array format, device architecture, operating temperature, quantum efficiency, read noise, and dark current for each technology. In addition, space applications require highly reliable, radiation-tolerant devices incorporated into unique space-qualified flight packages. This chapter reviews the FPA technologies that have been developed for applications in space missions. The focus is the considerations and constraints on detector arrays in the development of hyperspectral payloads.
