Abstract: A thermal imaging device includes detector pixels A, B, C provided by a pyroelectric layer 1 arranged between electrode structures 3 and 4. A photoconductive layer 7 is provided between the electrode structure 5 and a further electrode structure 9. The device also includes an illumination source 11 for illuminating the photoconductive layer 7 for enabling pyroelectric charge developed by the detector pixels A, B, C to be optically addressed via the electrode structure 9. Optical addressing of the detector pixels obviates the need for solid state switching connections to each pixel, providing an imaging device readily capable of large scale fabrication.

Abstract: An infrared imaging arrangement using a chopping device for periodically blocking exposure of an array of detector elements responsive to infrared energy by using a plurality of individually-mounted cells. There is a non-reciprocating rotary mechanism used for moving the cells substantially orthogonal to the array in such a manner that constant orientation of the cells is maintained in order to expose the array to energy via the cells. Since the cells orientation is maintained, the shift of energy relative to the array increases the arrays ability to resolve spatially sources of energy. There is also an infrared blocking piece used for blocking the infrared energy from impinging on the array.

Abstract: A thermal imaging device comprising a pyroelectric layer having on one major surface an array of interconnected electrodes forming an entrance face, and on the opposite major surface an array of discrete electrodes connected to electrical circuitry formed on a semiconductive substrate. Between the entrance faces of individual detector elements in a network of further electrodes of high thermal conductance which provides a high degree of thermal isolation for the detector elements and prevents significant thermal cross-talk between adjacent detector elements.

Abstract: A system for positional determination includes an array of piezoelectric sensor electrodes connected to an array of output lines via resistors for providing a binary code in response to activation of the sensor electrodes; and an array of further output lines also connected to the array of sensor electrodes via resistors for providing a binary error code in response to activation of the sensor electrodes. By combining the resultant binary code and binary error code, an accurate determination of the position along the array of activation of the sensor electrodes may be achieved.

Abstract: A barrier assembly for a Langmuir trough is arranged for a substrate to be carried automatically to-and-fro on a dipping head over a fixed barrier into monomolecular layers A, B on a common subphase so as to stack layers ABABAB . . . on the substrate. The layers A, B are confined by the barrier and two constant perimeter areas formed by a single flexible band passing over rollers. By adjusting the positions of bridges that carry some of the rollers, the confined areas can be contracted to compress the layers A, B. In an alternative mode the substrate receives a layer from layer A while a new layer B is being formed, the substrate then being transferred to layer B while a new layer A is being formed. This involves an oscillating rather than a rotating movement of the substrate.