Patent ID: 7375331

Claim:
A focal plane array package assembly, comprising: at least one active detector pixel element; at least one reference pixel element; an optically blocking structure disposed in spaced relationship with said at least one reference pixel element to at least partially optically block said reference pixel element; and a package assembly lid overlying said at least one active detector pixel element and said at least one reference pixel element; said package assembly lid comprising said optically blocking structure; wherein said package assembly lid has a raised inner surface and a stepped down inner surface; wherein a cavity is defined in said package assembly lid, said cavity being formed by said raised inner surface of said package assembly lid and extending above said at least one active detector pixel element, said raised inner surface being disposed at a first distance from said at least one active detector pixel element; wherein said stepped down inner surface of said package assembly lid extends above said at least one reference pixel element, said stepped down inner surface being disposed at a second distance from said at least one reference pixel element, said second distance being less than said first distance; and wherein said stepped down inner surface of said package assembly lid supports said optically blocking structure in spaced relationship with said at least one reference pixel element.