Falcon 720

Medium Wave Infrared Detector

The Falcon 720 infrared detector uses the latest focal plane technology to provide high-definition infrared images compatible with commercial 720p HDTV signal formats. The 12 μm-pitch focal plane array enables this high-definition detector to be offered in a compact, low-cost, low-power design.

Using the MCT process, the Falcon MWIR detector provides the highest environmental integrity and the superior performance of focal plane detectors.

Low cost
Lightweight
Compact
High resolution

Integrate-then-read (ITR) or Integrate-while-read (IWR) operation
Simple to use
Medium wave 3 - 5 μm
Small element pitch enables miniaturization of the Dewar assembly and optics
High electro-optic performance with low crosstalk, automatic anti-blooming at the pixel level, and excellent sensitivity

Windowing gives enhanced frame rates over selected areas of the array
Electronic boresighting provides a low-cost method for precision alignment of FPA to the optical axis
Higher operating temperature than InSb
- Longer cooler life
- Less in-service support
- Lower through-life cost

Format

Array: 128- x 720 pixels
Pixel pitch: 12 µm
Active Area: 15.36 x 8.64 mm

Typical Performance

NETD (median): 19 mK
Pixel operability: >99.8%

Interface Parameters

Modes: ITR or IWR
Configuration control: Single serial interface
Charge capacity: 4 x 10⁶ electrons
Number of outputs: 8
Pixel rate: Up to 10 MHz per output
Array operating temperature: 80 - 100 K
Window material: Germanium
Window thickness: 1.73 mm
Cold filter material: Silicon
Cold filter thickness: 0.4 mm

Rotary Cooler

Weight: 500 g
Power consumption: 6 W steady state
Cooling engine: Rotary Stirling engine
Operating temperature range: -40°C to +70°C

Linear Cooler

Weight: 1100 g
Power consumption: 8 W steady state
Cooling engine: Linear Stirling engine
Operating temperature range: -40°C to +70°C
Cooler MTTF: 40,000 hours