Patents by Inventor Bobbi A. Ritchey

Bobbi A. Ritchey has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Microbolometer and method for forming
    Patent number: 6690014
    Abstract: A microbolometer is provided that includes an absorber element having material properties to change temperature in response to absorbing infrared radiation. An amorphous silicon detector is thermally coupled to the absorber element and is suspended above a silicon substrate at a height of one-quarter wavelength of the infrared radiation to be detected. The amorphous silicon detector changes electrical resistance in response to the absorber element changing temperature. The microbolometer also includes electrode arms coupled to the silicon substrate to provide structural support for the amorphous silicon detector above the surface of the silicon substrate. The electrode arms further provide electrical connectivity for the microbolometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Roland W. Gooch, Thomas R. Schimert, William L. McCardel, Bobbi A. Ritchey