Abstract: A scene projector has spaced-apart optical fibers transmitting electromagnetic radiation by total internal reflection to a like number of spaced-apart absorber structures that are each mounted on the opposite end of one of the optical fibers. The absorber structures absorb the transmitted radiation, convert it to heat, and emit radiation at longer wavelengths, primarily IR. Optionally, a coating having greater emissivity at the longer wavelengths of radiation may be added to the structures to increase radiation at these longer wavelengths. Each optical fiber and absorber structure has a degree of thermal isolation from the adjacent fibers and structures to increase spatial thermal resolution as compared to contemporary monolithic imaging devices. Since the scene projector is optically driven, bulky electronic addressing lines and associated control structure are not needed.

Abstract: A transducer is deposited on each fiber of an optical fiber scene projector to convert portions of electromagnetic radiation to emitted radiation, h as IR. The transducer, is adaptable to large arrays of optical fibers and can be fabricated using mature conventional processes, such as vapor deposition, for example. The components of the transducer can be tailored to handle different incident radiation and produce desired emitted radiation. Dielectric layers having thicknesses equal to odd-numbered multiples of quarter wavelengths of the electromagnetic radiation receive the electromagnetic radiation and a reflector adjacent to the layers reflects unabsorbed portions of radiation back through the layers. An absorber layer interposed between adjacent dielectric layers absorbs the received and the reflected radiation so as to convert the absorbed radiation into heat energy.