Abstract: A thermal imaging device is provided for converting an image in the terahertz radiation range to the visible range. In one embodiment, the device includes a converter having a thermochromic liquid crystal layer mounted on a sapphire base. In another embodiment, the device includes a thermal absorption layer including a metal selected from the group of iron, aluminum, tin, and copper. In a further embodiment, the device has an light source shaped as an annulus for illuminating a rearward surface of the converter, configured to permit visible light rays to pass through the annulus for capture by a digital detector. In a final embodiment, the device has a thermal adjustment device for adjusting the temperature of the thermochromic liquid crystal layer to an optimal temperature.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 30, 2007
Date of Patent:
July 27, 2010
Assignee:
Radiabeam Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Gerald Andonian, Salime M. Boucher, Pedro E. Frigola, Alex Y. Murokh, Timur Shaftan, Gil Travish