Abstract: A microstructured infrared sensor includes: a sensor chip having a diaphragm; a cavity formed underneath the diaphragm; a thermopile structure formed on the diaphragm and having bonded printed conductors; an absorber layer formed on the thermopile structure for absorbing infrared radiation; and a cap chip attached to the sensor chip. A sensor space is formed between the cap chip and the sensor chip, and the sensor space accommodates the thermopile structure. The infrared sensor also includes a convex lens area for focusing incident infrared radiation onto the absorber layer. The lens area may be formed on the top of the cap chip or on a lens chip attached to the cap chip. The lens area may be formed by drying a dispensed lacquer droplet, or by a softened, structured lacquer cylinder, or by subsequent etching of the dried lacquer droplet and the surrounding substrate material.