Spintronic Photon Binning: Paving the Way for Camera Sensor Resolutions Capable of Supporting Flash LiDAR Aircraft Detection at Ranges Comparable to RADAR
As we approach the middle part of the 21st century, alternative modes of detection of low-observable aircraft will continue to become more essential as the world moves to an entirely low-observable aircraft fleet.
Infrared detection as well as active Flash LiDAR are both effective for detecting objects such as aircraft, but ranges are limited by the sensor resolutions of the cameras used. High-end camera sensors of today are capable of resolutions of about 100 Megapixels. These sensors are based upon electronic semiconductor technology that must convert photons into electrons and furthermore requires that many photons strike the sensor in order to reduce image noise. The more sensitive the setting of the sensor, the greater the noise.
Future computer systems are likely to be purely optronic, given their massively higher clock speeds, low energy demand, and low heat generation. Those computer systems would also allow for taking full advantage of fiber-optic communications systems which must also convert optical signals into electronic signals (and back again.)
As we approach the middle part of the 21st century, alternative modes of detection of low-observable aircraft will continue to become more essential as the world moves to an entirely low-observable aircraft fleet.
Infrared detection as well as active Flash LiDAR are both effective for detecting objects such as aircraft, but ranges are limited by the sensor resolutions of the cameras used. High-end camera sensors of today are capable of resolutions of about 100 Megapixels. These sensors are based upon electronic semiconductor technology that must convert photons into electrons and furthermore requires that many photons strike the sensor in order to reduce image noise. The more sensitive the setting of the sensor, the greater the noise.
Future computer systems are likely to be purely optronic, given their massively higher clock speeds, low energy demand, and low heat generation. Those computer systems would also allow for taking full advantage of fiber-optic communications systems which must also convert optical signals into electronic signals (and back again.)
