Large infrared (IR) imagers in the NIR to VLWIR wavelength ranges are critical requirements for Earth observation, and Science and Astronomy missions. They provide information not available in the visible wavelength range like, for example, object temperature or chemical composition. The technology available in Europe today allows for detectors with around 1 Mega pixel to be manufactured. It is not able to produce the 4 Megapixel detectors necessary for future missions. Europe needs to become non-dependent for the procurement of these types of detectors. It is the goal of ASTEROID to develop the technology that will make Europe non-dependent for large IR detectors. The technology to be developed is based on HgCdTe detection layers grown on CdZnTe substrates and on large dimensions Si Read Out Integrated Circuits (ROIC). By adjusting its composition, the use of HgCdTe detection layers makes it possible to address all the wavelengths required, from visible to VLWIR wavelengths. ASTEROID will use the contributions from 6 partners in 5 different fields to develop the building blocks for large IR detectors: • ROIC processing: EVG and Sofradir • HgCdTe and CdZnTe processing: CEA-LETI and Sofradir • Hybridization of the ROIC and detection layers: Sofradir • Thermo-Mechanical Modeling: ADDL • Electro-optic and connectivity characterization: IFAE and CEA-IRFU

The new ways of driving and use a vehicle as expected in the scope of Smart Mobility asks for reliable and affordable versatile perception systems. Perception systems need to be accurate and reliable both for what happen in the cabin and out of the cabin. The driver and passenger monitoring needs to be improved as well as the environment surrounding monitoring, in all light and weather conditions. For both of these topics, the extension of current perception systems (mainly based on visible imaging, LIDAR and RADAR detection) to the thermal sensing is a must. Thermal sensing, especially in the LWIR (= 6 to 14 µm) bandwidth, provides valuable additional information and has to be considered as a must for the next generation of L4 (‘’Eyes off’’) and L5 (‘’Mind off’’) autonomous driving. In this context, the HELIAUS project aims to deliver breakthrough perception systems for in-cabin passengers monitoring, as well as for the car surrounding by developing smart thermal perception systems that extend the current systems to the LWIR bandwidth. From general point of view, the main objectives of the HELIAUS project and work to be carried out are as follows: 1/ to develop cutting-edge and cost effective technologies leading to low cost, high performance LWIR module, 2/ to specify, develop, test and validate the thermal perception systems first prototypes for in-cabin and out-of cabin application, 3/ to quantify the valuable addition of the thermal sensing into the current systems and future systems, 4/ to promote the benefit of such systems in the future autonomous vehicles, in particular, and for smart mobility in general. The HELIAUS project is a first and essential step to the creation of a future industrialized affordable thermal perception systems offer. Being a part of the IPCEI Microelectronics, in which ULIS leads a project in the framework of the ‘’Smart Sensors’’, the HELIAUS project will positively contribute to the global competitiveness of the European industry.

This project will research new technologies for CMOS image sensors that are needed in the next generation of several application domains. The image sensor research will focus on enhancing the capabilities of current imaging devices: • New design (architectures) and technology (e.g. 3D stacking) for better pixels (lower noise, higher dynamic range, new functionality within the pixel) and more pixels (higher spatial and temporal resolutions) at higher speed, time-of-flight pixels, local (on-chip) image processing, embedded CCD in CMOS TDI pixels. • Extended sensitivity and functionality of the pixels: extension into infrared, filters for hyper-and multi-spectral imaging, better colour filters, programmable filters with LCD cells. Application domains that will be covered are: • Digital Lifestyle: Broadcast, Digital Cinema & Entertainment, Smart home (Grass Valley, Angenieux, Silios, Delft University of Technology, SoftKinetic) • Smart Production (IMEC, C-cam) • High-end Security (Adimec, Angenieux, Le2i, TNO) • Agriculture and food sorting using hyper- and multi-spectral imaging and programmable filters (Silios, Le2i) • Medical healthcare: diagnostics using multi-/hyper-spectral imaging and programmable filters (Adimec, TNO, Silios, Quest and Focal) • Gas detection using multi spectral IR imagers (Sofradir) • Security: gas sensing (Sofradir) The prototype CMOS image sensors for several application domains will be demonstrated together with the sensor related processing.