Fast Readout of Innovative Glow Discharge Detector Focal Plane Arrays for Affordable Millimeter Wave Imaging: Design, Implementation, and Advancements

Arun Ramachandra Kurup, Daniel Rozban, Yehuda Azulay, Natan S. Kopeika, Yitzhak Yitzhaky, Amir Abramovich

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This study introduces an affordable approach to developing a millimeter-wave (MMW) focal plane array (FPA) using glow discharge detectors (GDDs) with rapid readout capabilities. The system investigates the effect of MMW incidence on GDD discharge current and employs a scanning mechanism with a step motor for sub-pixel imaging. The experimental setup features an 8x8 FPA with 64 GDD detectors, MMW source, optical components, and a data acquisition platform. Leveraging electrical detection and a signal processing algorithm, the system captures low-intensity MMW signals with each GDD value corresponding to a pixel in the image. The Fourier transform (FFT) is used to extract information from the modulated signals. The FPA demonstrated an improved imaging duration, reducing acquisition time by 75% compared to prior studies, with an 8x8 image captured in just 4 seconds. Responsivity was measured at 21.8 V/W, detecting signals as weak as 0.95 nW. These advancements offer significant benefits for time-sensitive applications like security and dynamic object tracking. The study proposes enhancing resolution through larger arrays and integrating image processing with AI techniques to further improve performance. This research provides a cost-effective solution for MMW imaging, addressing existing detector limitations.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEmerging Imaging and Sensing Technologies for Security and Defence IX 2024
EditorsGerald S. Buller, Robert A. Lamb, Martin Laurenzis
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510681163
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
EventEmerging Imaging and Sensing Technologies for Security and Defence IX 2024 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: 17 Sep 202418 Sep 2024

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume13204
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceEmerging Imaging and Sensing Technologies for Security and Defence IX 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityEdinburgh
Period17/09/2418/09/24

Keywords

  • focal plane array
  • glow discharge detector
  • Millimeter wave
  • sub-pixel Imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fast Readout of Innovative Glow Discharge Detector Focal Plane Arrays for Affordable Millimeter Wave Imaging: Design, Implementation, and Advancements'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this