Patent ID: 7592593

Claim:
A multi-band focal plane array architecture comprising: a first array of detector elements, comprising: a first semiconductor substrate having a first readout circuit integrated therein; and a plurality of first detectors integrated in the substrate and electrically connected to the first readout circuit, the plurality of first detectors includes a visible frequency detector being operative to absorb a signal at a first wavelength band; a second array of detector elements, comprising: a second semiconductor substrate having a second readout circuit; a plurality of second detectors disposed intermediate the first array and the second substrate and electrically connected to the second readout circuit, the plurality of second detectors including an infrared frequency detector being operative to absorb a signal at a second wavelength band; a third array of detector elements, comprising; a plurality of third detectors disposed intermediate the second array of detectors and the second substrate and electronically connected to the second readout circuit, the plurality of third detectors includes an infrared frequency detector being operative to absorb a signal at a third wavelength band; with the plurality of first detectors being transmissive to the second wavelength band; the second array of detector elements being packaged with the plurality of the second and third detectors facing each other and in substantial registry; and a passivation layer disposed between the first array of detector elements and the second array of detector elements for isolating the plurality of second detectors from the plurality of first detectors, the passivation layer being substantially transmissive in relation to the second and the third wavebands.