Lowell, Robert Alan — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF151-173

Description

ABSTRACT:Validation of Mission capability of LFFPAs in the complex Space radiation environment requires both focused e/p test procedures guided by comprehensive high fidelity simulations of particle interactions at the atomic level within the FPA structure. Monoenergetic (combined) e/p beams can be used to verify the physics interaction models, which then can be driven by the actual radiation environment for one/many orbits of interest. Our Idark distribution simulations across the FPA will provide the necessary data to determine real-time sensor SNR and target detection thresholds. Our innovative approach is to use existing simulation codes, but focused on high fidelity modeling of multiple defect types possible in InGaAs detector material, so the complete noise distribution can be determined and represented in Mission analysis. To quantify the impact of these defects on the detector pixel at the physics level, we will use SoA 3D device modeling, which has been already implemented and validated by tests performed by NRL. Phase 1 will evaluate the relative importance of the known GaAs defects and enable an efficient Phase 2 demonstration of a space environment-to-LF Array noise distributions prediction. These open source tools can be commercializated, but key insights and material constants are the IP. BENEFIT:High fidelity prediction of advanced space sensors (esp GaAs)to the complex e/p environment, with verification steps at AEDC's Space Threat Assessment Testbed (STAT)