[Paper Review] Large Focal Plane Arrays for Future Missions

Paul A. Scowen, Shouleh Nikzad+11 more|ArXiv.org|Apr 13, 2009

Spacecraft Design and Technology3 citations

TL;DR

This paper outlines the technological challenges and solutions for developing large, high-performance focal plane arrays for future space and ground-based astronomical missions. It proposes modular, four-side buttable CCD and CMOS imager architectures, scalable testing frameworks, ground testbeds, and balloon-based validation to enable flight-ready, low-cost, high-reliability large-format detectors with minimal additional investment.

ABSTRACT

We outline the challenges associated with the development and construction of large focal plane arrays for use both on the ground and in space. Using lessons learned from existing JPL-led and ASU/JPL partnership efforts to develop technology for, and design such arrays and imagers for large focal planes, we enumerate here the remaining problems that need to be solved to make such a venture viable. Technologies we consider vital for further development include: (1) architectures, processes, circuits, and readout solutions for production and integration of four-side buttable, low-cost, high-fidelity, high-performance, and high-reliability CCD and CMOS imagers; (2) modular, four-side buttable packaging of CCD/CMOS imagers; (3) techniques and hardware to test and characterize the large number of chips required to produce the hundreds of flight-grade detectors needed for large focal-plane missions being conceived at this time; (4) ground based testbed needs, such as a large format camera mounted on a ground-based telescope, to field test the detectors and the focal plane technology solutions; and (5) validation of critical sub-components of the design on a balloon mission to ensure their flight-readiness. This paper outlines the steps required to provide a mature solution to the astronomical community with a minimal investment, building on years of planning and investments already completed at JPL.

Motivation & Objective

• Address the critical need for large-format, high-fidelity focal plane arrays to enable next-generation astronomical surveys.
• Overcome technical barriers in manufacturing, integration, and testing of hundreds of flight-grade detectors for large focal planes.
• Develop modular, four-side buttable packaging and scalable readout architectures for CCD and CMOS imagers to improve scalability and reliability.
• Establish ground-based testbeds and balloon missions to validate detector performance and flight readiness before space deployment.
• Leverage existing JPL and ASU/JPL technology investments to minimize new development costs and accelerate deployment timelines.

Proposed method

• Design and prototype four-side buttable CCD and CMOS imager architectures for scalable, modular integration.
• Implement low-cost, high-fidelity readout electronics with high dynamic range and low noise for large-format arrays.
• Develop standardized, modular packaging solutions to enable seamless tiling of multiple detector chips into large focal planes.
• Create comprehensive testing and characterization protocols for hundreds of individual flight-grade detectors.
• Deploy a large-format camera on a ground-based telescope as a testbed for full focal plane system validation.
• Conduct high-altitude balloon missions to validate critical sub-components (e.g., readout electronics, cooling systems) under near-space conditions.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 What architectural and integration solutions are required to scale CCD and CMOS imagers into large, four-side buttable focal planes?
• RQ2 How can the testing and characterization of hundreds of flight-grade detectors be made efficient and scalable?
• RQ3 What ground-based testbed infrastructure is necessary to validate large focal plane systems before spaceflight?
• RQ4 What role do balloon missions play in verifying the flight readiness of key detector components?
• RQ5 How can existing JPL and ASU/JPL technology investments be leveraged to minimize new development costs for large focal plane arrays?

Key findings

• Four-side buttable CCD and CMOS imager architectures are essential for scalable, modular, and high-performance large focal plane systems.
• Modular packaging and standardized interfaces enable reliable tiling of multiple detector chips into large-format arrays.
• Ground-based testbeds using large-format cameras on telescopes are critical for system-level validation of focal plane technology.
• Balloon missions provide a cost-effective path to validate critical sub-components under near-space conditions before orbital deployment.
• Leveraging existing JPL and ASU/JPL technology development reduces the risk and cost of future large focal plane array missions.
• The paper identifies a clear, low-investment pathway to mature large focal plane technology for the astronomical community by building on prior investments.