First operation of 8×8 glow discharge detector VLSI focal plane array toward mm wave and THz radiation video rate imaging

A new kind of 8×8 focal plane array (FPA) based on glow discharge detector (GDD) elements was constructed and tested experimentally. First THz images of this FPA are presented. The data acquisition of this system is performed with a special VLSI board designed for this system. Previously, signal detection of the FPA elements was based upon a lock in amplifier (LIA) which limited the rate of image formation. This was in order to detect weak signals required for stand-off remote detection. Switching mode is necessary in order to save energy but stabilization time of the GDD found to be 0.5 sec. Recent investigations proved that it is possible to overcome the above timing limitations. It was shown that heterodyne detection yielded 40 times more sensitivity than the direct detection, thus in many circumstances obviating the need for a LIA. Moreover, GDD stabilization time of less than 1 msec was achieved. These developments should enable video rate THz imaging using GDD FPAs.