Abstract: An antenna-coupled dual-band focal plane array for detecting radiation in the infrared and millimeter-wave bands. The dual-band focal plane array includes a millimeter antenna-coupled pixel incorporating an array of infrared antenna-coupled pixels in a two-dimensional focal plane array format for detecting infrared and millimeter-wave radiation. The configuration allows for a single aperture system capable of operating in both the infrared and millimeter bands. The system further includes electronics for sampling the millimeter antenna-coupled pixel and the array of infrared antenna-coupled pixels for course spatial sampling of the millimeter pixel and fine spatial sampling of the infrared pixels. Application areas can include collision avoidance, bad-weather driving, and maritime navigational aids.

Abstract: Adjacent pixels of an infrared focal plane array (IR FPA) can be configured to have different spectral or polarization responses by adjustment of the lengths or orientations of the antenna arms which couple radiation into the sensors. The manufacturing costs of such an antenna-coupled IR FPA would be much less than integration of spectral or polarization filters onto each pixel, or fabrication of adjacent pixels with materials of different bandgaps. The antenna-coupled pixels can be made smaller than usual pixels, allowing this diversity of spectral or polarization information on the FPA without losing spatial resolution. The infrared (IR) sensors can be tunnel diodes, schottky diodes, photovoltaics, photoconductors, bolometers, and pyroelectrics. Application areas can include military and civilian remote sensing, automotive driving aids, industrial sensing, medical imaging, and general surveillance.

Abstract: A tuned antenna-coupled infrared detector is made possible by application of a bias voltage in the range of a few hundred millivolts. The use of first and second antenna arms connected to the detector makes possible polarization tuning which eliminates the need for bulk-optical polarization filters. An alternative tuned detector is one in which the antenna is frequency tuned by a capacitative device to make the detector particularly responsive to 8 um to 12 um infrared radiation. When integrated into focal plane arrays, these detectors can be used in remote-sensing systems to facilitate enhanced image recognition, feature extraction and image-clutter removal.

Abstract: An antenna-coupled infrared detector with polarization tuning over approximately 90 degrees by application of a bias voltage in the range of a few hundred millivolts. This mechanism of polarization tuning eliminates the need for bulk-optical polarization filters. When integrated into focal plane arrays, these detectors can be used in remote-sensing systems to facilitate enhanced image recognition, feature extraction and image-clutter removal. A preferred version of the antenna has longitudinal metal antenna arms extending outward from an infrared(IR) sensor in a spiral pattern, polarization tuning devices connected between the antenna arms, and a voltage for controlling the polarization tuning devices, wherein the polarization tuning devices enable real-time control of current distribution in the arms. The infrared(IR) sensors can be tunnel diodes, schottky diodes, photovoltaics, photoconductors, and pyroelectrics.