Systems and methods for providing a sealed container having a reduced
pressure atmosphere are disclosed. The container is suitable for housing
an infrared detector array. Outgassing can be enhanced by adding features
to solder preforms that maintain pathways for gasses to more readily exit
the container prior to sealing thereof. Getters can be used to mitigate
undesirable gases within the sealed container. One or more bolometers can
be used to determine if the sealed container is leaking. A vacuum
positioning fixture can be used to assemble the components of the
infrared detector assembly and to place the infrared detector assemblies
into a vacuum chamber. The cost of manufacturing such infrared detector
assemblies may be reduced and the reliability thereof enhanced.