Radiation hardness of two-dimensional focal plane detector arrays for LWIR/VLWIR space sounding missions

In this paper, AIM reports on γ, proton and heavy ion irradiation experiments on newly developed MCT VLWIR FPAs for Fourier transform infrared sounding applications from space in the 8-15μm spectral range. γ and proton irradiation testing have been carried out at operational temperatures with the FPAs biased. Key performance parameters such as dark current density and offset video level have been closely monitored. Additionally, heavy ion irradiation testing on the CMOS read-out circuits was performed at room temperature. Cross sections for all detected single event effects are presented and error rates for a typical GEO sounding mission are estimated.