Abstract:
A representative embodiment of the invention provides an infrared (IR) imaging system (300) adapted to (i) convert an IR image of an object into mechanical displacements of a plurality of movable plates (304,306), (ii) use the mechanical displacements to impart a corresponding spatial phase modulation pattern onto a beam of visible light, and (iii) apply spatial filtering to convert the spatial phase modulation pattern into a visible image of the object.
Abstract:
An infrared (IR) sensitive pixel (20) and an IR imager (100) including the same. According to one embodiment, the pixel includes a substrate assembly (24) having a cavity (26) defined by at least one sidewall (33) and a cantilevered beam (22) connected to the substrate assembly and disposed in the cavity. The cantilevered beam includes a first spring portion (28) and a first capacitor plate portion (30), wherein the first spring portion includes at least two materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The pixel further includes a second capacitor plate portion (30, 34), such that incident IR radiation causes the first spring portion of the cantilevered beam to move laterally relative to the sidewall, thereby creating a variable capacitance between the first capacitor plate portion of the cantilevered beam and the second capacitor plate portion.
Abstract:
A micro-instrument for detecting a chemical is formed on a coin-sized semiconductor substrate. A waveguide is formed by a semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate. The waveguide semiconductor layer has a groove forming an entrance aperture for receiving polychromatic radiation. An infrared emitter is disposed in the groove for generating the polychromatic radiation. An array of micro-mechanical thermal detectors can be formed integrally with the substrate. Each of the thermal dectectors has a measurable characteristic physical parameter and each of the thermal detectors has a coating exhibiting a preferential adsorption of at least one chemical to be sensed. A self focusing reflection grating is formed integrally with the waveguide semiconductor layer for directing a monochromatic spectrum onto the array responsive to the polychromatic radiation, such that each of the thermal detectors receives different wavelengths of the monochromatic spectrum.
Abstract:
A first object of the invention is a radiation detector comprising an energy absorber (203), for absorbing incident radiation (RAD) and thus undergoing a temperature increase; and optical readout means, for detecting said temperature increase; wherein said optical readout means comprises input coupling means (202) for coupling a light beam (2011) to said energy absorber (203) by exciting surface plasmons resonance, a surface plasmons resonance condition being dependent on the energy absorber (203) temperature, and wherein said energy absorber (203) is separated from said input coupling means (202) by a dielectric layer (2032). A second object of the invention is a micromechanical sensor comprising: a micromechanical oscillator and optical readout means (202) for detecting a displacement of said micromechanical oscillator; wherein said optical readout means comprise input coupling means (202) for coupling a light beam (2011) to a conductive surface (2031) by exciting surface plasmons resonance, a surface plasmons resonance condition being dependent on the displacement of said micromechanical oscillator.
Abstract:
A thermal displacement element, comprising a base and a supported part supported on the base, the supported part further comprising first and second displacement parts, a thermal separation part with high thermal resistance, and a radiation absorbing part receiving a radiation and converting the radiation into a heat, the first and second displacement parts each further comprising at least two layers of different types of substances with different coefficients of expansion overlapped with each other, wherein the first displacement part is mechanically continued to the base without passing the thermal separation part, the radiation absorbing part and the second displacement part is mechanically continued to the base through the thermal separation part and the first displacement part, the second displacement part is thermally connected to the radiation absorbing part, and a thermal radiation detector comprises the thermal displacement element and a displacement reading member fixed to the second displacement part of the thermal displacement element and used to obtain a specified variation produced in the second displacement part.
Abstract:
A micromechanical sensor and method for detecting electromagnetic radiation involve producing photoelectrons from a metal surface in contact with a semiconductor. The photoelectrons are extracted into the semiconductor, which causes photo-induced bending. The resulting bending is measured, and a signal corresponding to the measured bending is generated and processed. A plurality of individual micromechanical sensors can be arranged in a two-dimensional matrix for imaging applications.
Abstract:
A bolometer pixel trigger array includes a substrate, an electrically conductive contact pad formed on the substrate, and bolometer formed on the substrate. The bolometer includes at least one thermally conductive trigger arm having a fixed end coupled to a portion of the bolometer and an electrically conductive free end configured to deflect with respect to the fixed end. At least one trigger arm establishes different operating states of the bolometer pixel trigger in response to the at least one trigger arm realizing different temperatures. The different operating states are configured to change an electrical connection between the at least one trigger arm and the contact pad.
Abstract:
Bolomètre (2) comportant au moins un microsystème ou nanosystème électromécanique, ledit microsystème ou nanosystème comportant un support (8) et une masse mobile (4) suspendue par des poutres (6) au dessus du support (8), ladite masse mobile formant un absorbeur d'un flux optique (F), des électrodes d'actionnement (12) destinées à mettre en vibration la masse mobile (4) et disposées latéralement par rapport à la masse mobile et des électrodes de détection (14) de la variation de la fréquence de vibration de ladite masse mobile (4) disposées latéralement par rapport à la mase mobile (4).
Abstract:
A detector incorporating a laser-doped element that is favorably absorbing to at least a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example in the infra-red range, is used in a light detector article. Readout circuits permitting a detector to operate in a substantial range of the electromagnetic spectrum, including the visual and infra-red range, enable day and night imaging in some embodiments. Configurations for making the detectors are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A micromechanical sensor and method for detecting electromagnetic radiation involve producing photoelectrons from a metal surface in contact with a semiconductor. The photoelectrons are extracted into the semiconductor, which causes photo-induced bending. The resulting bending is measured, and a signal corresponding to the measured bending is generated and processed. A plurality of individual micromechanical sensors can be arranged in a two-dimensional matrix for imaging applications.