Patent attributes
An antenna-coupled dual-band focal plane array for detecting radiation in the infrared and millimeter-wave bands. The dual-band focal plane array includes a millimeter antenna-coupled pixel incorporating an array of infrared antenna-coupled pixels in a two-dimensional focal plane array format for detecting infrared and millimeter-wave radiation. The configuration allows for a single aperture system capable of operating in both the infrared and millimeter bands. The system further includes electronics for sampling the millimeter antenna-coupled pixel and the array of infrared antenna-coupled pixels for course spatial sampling of the millimeter pixel and fine spatial sampling of the infrared pixels. Application areas can include collision avoidance, bad-weather driving, and maritime navigational aids.