High Performance in a Small Package

At Santa Barbara Focalplane (SBF), Lockheed Martin’s infrared (IR) center of excellence, seeing is believing. SBF develops and manufactures focal plane arrays (FPAs) that deliver high-resolution imagery in real-time, integrated dewar cooler assemblies for high-performance sensors, and camera cores that offer big-sensor performance in compact and low-SWAP configurations.

SBF offers a diverse selection of off-the-shelf and custom-built FPAs. Our revolutionary nBn FPA and high-speed digital read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) technologies are the foundation of our advanced sensor offerings.

Our flexible architectures are compatible with a variety of detector materials, ranging from InSb and mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) to nBn. We design and manufacture the highest-quality nBn and InSb detectors in many configurations, from linear to large staring formats.

Product groups include FPAs, integrated detector/dewar/cooler assemblies, digital cameras and complete imaging systems. We offer multiple unit cell types, ranging from direct injection (DI), source follower detector (SFD) and capacitive feedback transimpedance amplifier (CTIA) to advanced 2-D and 3-D ROIC designs.

SBF is providing FPAs for next-generation systems like the Pilotage Distributed Aperture Sensor (PDAS) system that is providing 360-degree situational awareness to rotorcraft aircrews.

And some of them turn up in surprising places. An FPA developed for tactical fighters also powers the video imaging spectral radiometry (VISR) flare monitor,  a multi-spectral camera that uses infrared images of petroleum stack flares to identify and manage escaping gas. VISR is helping BP monitor methane emissions at remote production facilities ranging from Alaska to Angola.

Focal Plane Array Photos and Videos