This work concerns the study of the coatings for the ultrasound frequency range as a quasi one-dimensional phononic crystal structure protecting a sea object against high resolution active sonar in the frequency range most commonly found for this type of equipment. The topology of the examined structure was optimized to obtain a band gap in the 2.2-2.3 MHz frequency band. For this purpose, a genetic algorithm was used, which allows for optimal distribution of individual elements of the ultrasound multilayer composite. By optimal distribution is meant to achieve a structure that will allow minimal reflectance in a given frequency range without height reflectance peaks with a small half width. Analysis of the wave propagation was made using the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM). As part of the research, 15 and 20-layer structures with reflectance at the level of 0.23% and 0.18%, respectively, were obtained. Increasing the number of layers in the analyzed structures resulted in finding such a distribution in which a narrow band of low reflectance was obtained, such distributions could also be used as bandpass filters. The use of a genetic algorithm for designing allows to obtain modern coatings, the characteristics of which result from the structure.

The hyperspectral thermal imaging instrument for technology demonstration funded by NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office under the In-Space Validation of Earth Science Technologies program requires focal plane array with reasonably good performance at a low cost. The instrument is designed to fit in a 6U CubeSat platform for a low-Earth orbit. It will collect data on hydrological parameters and Earth surface temperature for agricultural remote sensing. The long wavelength infrared type-II strain layer superlattices barrier infrared detector focal plane array is chosen for this mission. With the driving requirement dictated by the power consumption of the cryocooler and signal-noise-ratio, cut-off wavelengths and dark current are utilized to model instrument operating temperature. Many focal plane arrays are fabricated and characterised, and the best performing focal plane array that fulfils the requirements is selected. The spectral band, dark current and 8–9.4 m pass band quantum efficiency of the candidate focal plane array are: 8–10.7 m, 2.1∙10−5 A/cm2, and 47%, respectively. The corresponding noise equivalent difference temperature and operability are 30 mK and 99.7%, respectively. Anti-reflective coating is deposited on the focal plane array surface to enhance the quantum efficiency and to reduce the interference pattern due to an absorption layer parallel surfaces cladding material.