MRD - DAPD Array Digital Receiver.pdf

Minimum Requirements Document

Discrete Amplification Photon Detector (DAPD) Array Receiver System

Document Date: 10 July 2026

Background & Scope: The Air Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate, Multispectral

Sensing and Detection Division (AFRL/RFMM) conducts advanced research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) in photonics, laser sensing, optical communications, and electromagnetic technologies to advance United States Air Force (USAF) capabilities. To support critical experimentation, characterization, and performance validation of near-infrared

(NIR) optical sensing and laser-based systems, AFRL/RFMM must acquire advanced photon detection capabilities.

The government’s existing photon detection infrastructure within AFRL/RFMM is technologically insufficient to meet current and modernizing research objectives. The legacy systems lack the critical combination of multi-channel detection, high quantum efficiency/sensitivity, robust signal amplification, and integrated digital processing. These technical limitations in detector performance, channel scalability, timing resolution, and high-fidelity data acquisition constrain researchers' ability to efficiently characterize next-generation optical payloads and execute advanced laboratory research.

Requirements/Salient Characteristics: The purpose of this acquisition is to procure a Discrete

Amplification Photon Detector (DAPD) Array Receiver System featuring integrated digital processing, multi-channel acquisition, and high-sensitivity photon detection. The system will serve as a core research asset for laboratory experiments in laser detection, optical communications, lidar, photon counting, and optical sensor characterization. To support these operations, the system must maximize data-logging throughput and capture rates, achieve phase-locked multi-channel signal measurement, and ensure plug-and-play compatibility with existing laboratory hardware and software frameworks. The proposed system must conform to the following minimum technical specifications:

1) Detection Capability:

• Must provide photon detection capability in the near-infrared wavelength region centered approximately around 1550 nm.

• Must support detection of low-level optical signals suitable for laboratory research and development applications.

• Must support operation with laser-based and optical sensing systems.

• Must provide multi-channel optical detection capability to support simultaneous acquisition of multiple optical signals.

2) Performance Characteristics:

• Detection Sensitivity:

- Must provide high-sensitivity optical detection suitable for low-photon-count and low-signal measurement applications.

• Signal Amplification:

- Must incorporate internal amplification or equivalent technology to improve detection performance and signal-to-noise ratio.

• Channel Count:

- Must provide a minimum of twenty-five (25) independent detection channels.

• Timing Performance:

- Must support precise timing measurements suitable for optical ranging, communications, and sensor characterization applications.

• Measurement Stability:

- Must provide stable and repeatable measurements suitable for research and development environments.

3) System Architecture & Technology:

• Must utilize advanced photon detection technology capable of supporting high-performance optical sensing applications.

• Must provide integrated signal processing and digital receiver functionality.

• Must support simultaneous acquisition and processing across all detector channels.

• Must provide stable detector operation and consistent measurement performance over extended operational periods.

• Must support future software and firmware updates to maintain operational capability.

4) Software & Data Integration:

• Must include integrated software capable of system configuration, control, monitoring, and data visualization.

• Must provide graphical user interface (GUI) functionality to support operation by engineers, scientists, and technical personnel.

• Must support data export in standard formats compatible with existing laboratory analysis tools and workflows.

• Must provide application programming interfaces (APIs), software development kits

(SDKs), or equivalent interfaces to enable custom software development, automation, and data processing.

• Must support secure operation and data handling within government information technology environments.

5) System Integration & Compatibility:

• Must be compatible with existing optical laboratory instrumentation and experimental test setups.

• Must support integration with optical transmitters, laser systems, data acquisition systems, and timing equipment.

• Must allow seamless integration into existing laboratory workflows without significant modification to existing test configurations.

• Must support standard communication interfaces for laboratory operation and data transfer.

6) Usability & Operation:

• Must provide a user-friendly interface suitable for engineers, scientists, and technical personnel.

• Must support configuration and control of individual detector channels as applicable.

• Must support automated measurements and repeatable testing procedures.

• Must include documentation and training materials sufficient for installation, operation, and maintenance.

7) Durability and Reliability:

• System must be designed for continuous laboratory operation.

• Must maintain detector performance and measurement stability over extended operational periods.

• Must provide reliable operation in research and development laboratory environments.

• Must be supported by manufacturer warranty and available technical support.

8) Support, Maintenance, & Warranty:

• Must include manufacturer-provided support and maintenance.

• Must include warranty coverage for parts and labor.

• Must provide access to technical assistance, firmware updates, and software updates.

• Must include documentation necessary to support system maintenance and troubleshooting.