Status and direction of PACE-I HgCdTe FPAs for astronomy

Rockwell's short wavelength infrared (SWIR) focal plane arrays (FPA) were originally designed for use in Orbital Replacement Instrument for the Hubble Space Telescope, but the 256 X 256 FPA version subsequently has found a home in many observatories. Developed for the University of Arizona under a NASA-Goddard prime contract to the University, the device is designated NICMOS3 due to its original relationship with the Hubble's Near Infrared Camera Multi-Object Spectrometer. Typical NICMOS3 FPAs have read noise 50% from 0.8 to 2.5 micrometers . These devices are in use all over the world by many researchers for SWIR astronomy. Based on long-term interaction with these scientists and on our own tests, the consensus is that the NICMOS3 is an extremely useful device. We are working to facilitate several paths for the subsequent low risk development of significantly upgraded astronomical FPAs. These include an even higher performance 256 X 256 FPA consisting of an upgraded readout mated to either standard or improved PACE-1 HgCdTe detector arrays, the near-term development of a 512 X 512 FPA via a proposed astronomical research consortium, and the longer term development of a 1024 X 1024 via several possible paths.