Abstract: An optical filter device for filtering radiation energy includes a substrate having a plurality of coating layers which are both transmissive to a specified wavelength band of radiation. The plurality of coating layers on a surface of the substrate each have a specified coating thickness. The plurality of coating layers cause destructive interference and/or reflection of the radiation outside the specified wavelength band of the radiation while radiation within the specified wavelength band is passed through the substrate and the plurality of coating layers. The substrate or window/filter may be positioned in a housing between a receiving element such as a pyroelectric element and the radiation energy wherein the specified wavelength band of radiation passes through the substrate and plurality of coating layers to the pyroelectric element. A signaling device communicates a signal indicating when the radiation energy within the specified wavelength band reaches the at least one pyroelectric element.

Abstract: A passenger detection device that determines whether a passenger sits in a passenger seat or backseat, and if YES, determines whether the passenger is an adult or a child, and whether the passenger is sitting in a normal attitude. A pair of thermopile sensors 13 and 14 are disposed on a dashboard 11 at a predetermined distance from each other in a horizontal direction. The pair of thermopile sensors 13 and 14 are disposed such that they monitor a predetermined same position P on a surface of the passenger seat 12 when a passenger 15 does not sit in a passenger seat 12. Output signal which are output from the pair of thermopile sensors 13 and 14 are subtracted by a subtraction circuit 25, an output difference signal of the pair of thermopile sensors 13 and 14 is taken out, and it is detected whether a passenger sits in the seat by this signal.

Abstract: An RF electromagnetic radiation detector has a device that has a first terminal and a second terminal with a PN junction therebetween. The first terminal is connected to the P side of the PN junction and the second terminal is connected to the N side of the PN junction, with the device susceptible to a voltage being built across the PN junction in the presence of RF electromagnetic radiation. The detector is first reverse biased by connecting a first voltage to the first terminal and a second voltage, higher than the first voltage to the second terminal. Current is then measured from the second terminal, where the current measured is indicative of the presence of RF electromagnetic radiation. A temperature sensor has a load, that has a first terminal and a second terminal with the first terminal connectable to a first voltage. A capacitor has a third terminal and a fourth terminal with the third terminal connected to the second terminal and the fourth terminal connectable to a second voltage.

Abstract: Aspects described herein provide for the design and fabrication of a device with an enhanced pyroelectric response signal comprised of multi-capacitors that are connected in series. These capacitors are fabricated using multi-layers of materials such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), BaxSr1-xTiO3 (barium strontium titanate) and Bi4Ti3O12 (bismuth titanate) films that exhibit pyroelectric affect and belong to the class of polar materials. By controlling the poling direction of the multi-layer integrated structure, the pyroelectric voltage can be aligned in one direction, and as a result, the voltage output from the single element is the total contribution from each capacitor.

Abstract: New thermoelectric materials and devices are disclosed for application to high efficiency thermoelectric power generation. New functional materials based on oxides, rare-earth-oxides, rare-earth-nitrides, rare-earth phosphides, copper-rare-earth oxides, silicon-rare-earth-oxides, germanium-rare-earth-oxides and bismuth rare-earth-oxides are disclosed. Addition of nitrogen and phosphorus are disclosed to optimize the oxide material properties for thermoelectric conversion efficiency. New devices based on bulk and multilayer thermoelectric materials are described. New devices based on bulk and multilayer thermoelectric materials using combinations of at least one of thermoelectric and pyroelectric and ferroelectric materials are described. Thermoelectric devices based on vertical pillar and planar architectures are disclosed. The advantage of the planar thermoelectric effect allows utility for large area applications and is scalable for large scale power generation plants.

Abstract: An OFET on a pyroelectric or piezoelectric substrate, such as PVDF, can provide highly adaptable and manufacturable radiation or acoustic sensing. Local charge amplification can be provided, such to construct an array of sensing pixels, which can be configured in an active or passive matrix. A susceptor or guide element can be provided. Systems, devices, methods of making, and methods of using are among the examples described.

Abstract: In a micro-bridge structure in which a temperature detecting portion (diaphragm) including a bolometer thin film is supported by a supporting portion in a state floated from a circuit substrate, a reflective film reflecting a THz wave is formed on the circuit substrate, an absorbing film absorbing the THz wave is formed on the temperature detecting portion, and an optical resonance structure is formed by the reflective film and temperature detecting portion. A gap between the reflective film and temperature detecting portion measures approximately ¼ infrared wavelength (e.g., 1.5 to 2.5 ?m). Sheet resistance of the temperature detecting portion is set in a range in which an absorptance of the THz wave becomes a predetermined value or above on the basis of the THz wave (approximately 10-100 ?/sq.). The absorptance of the THz wave is drastically improved while using the structure and manufacturing technique of a bolometer-type infrared detector.

Abstract: A thermopile infrared sensor array, comprises a sensor chip with a number of thermopile sensor elements, made from a semiconductor substrate and corresponding electronic components. The sensor chip is mounted on a support circuit board and enclosed by a cap in which a lens is arranged. The aim is the production of a monolithic infrared sensor array with a high thermal resolution capacity with a small chip size and which may be economically produced. The aim is achieved by arranging a thin membrane made from non-conducting material on the semiconductor substrate of the sensor chip on which the thermopile sensor elements are located in an array. Under each thermopile sensor element, the back side of the membrane is uncovered in a honeycomb pattern by etching and the electronic components are arranged in the boundary region of the sensor chip. An individual pre-amplifier with a subsequent low-pass filter may be provided for each column and each row of sensor elements.

Abstract: The human body detection device comprises a pyroelectric-type sensor 7 for detecting presence of a human body and an infrared distance-measuring sensor 2 for detecting a distance to a human body H detected by the pyroelectric-type sensor 7 in combination. The infrared distance-measuring sensor 2 is provided with a plurality of infrared-ray emitting devices 3-0, . . . , 3-4 arranged in various directions of infrared-ray emission I1 for covering the whole detection range of the pyroelectric-type sensor 7. There are also provided a light receiving surface for making infrared rays I1? reflected by a detection object H incident thereon and position sensing devices 4 for outputting a signal indicating a distance to the object H according to a position of the incident light on the light receiving surface. The position sensing device 4 corresponding to a plurality of the infrared-ray emitting devices are housed in one housing 20. This human body detection device is small and low-cost.

Abstract: A bolometric detector for electromagnetic radiation comprising a sensitive part or membrane comprising one or more layers of a sensitive material, the resistivity of which varies with temperature; first electric conductor elements in electrical continuity with a readout circuit associated with the bolometric detector and acting as electrodes for the detector and being in contact with the sensitive material and acting as an electromagnetic radiation absorber; second electric conductor elements at a floating potential acting only as an electromagnetic radiation absorber; at least one support area for the sensitive part fulfilling the function of positioning the sensitive part and electric conductor in relation to the readout circuit; at least one thermal isolation structure electrically and mechanically linking each support area to the sensitive part.

Abstract: A thermally tunable pixel element includes a substrate; a thermally tunable filter island; a thermal absorption structure in direct thermal contact with and extending beyond the thermally tunable filter island; and a thermal isolation structure providing a thermally isolating path between the thermal absorption structure and the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention describes a bolometric device with receiving cavity for measuring a beam of high frequency microwaves, comprising a hollow body (1) with receiving cavity (50) having an opening (2) for the entrance of said beam of high frequency microwaves in said receiving cavity (50), a diverging mirror (3) located in the lower part of said cavity (50) for reflecting said beam of microwaves on an absorbent coating material (4) applied on the internal surface (5) of the hollow body (1), a cooling circuit (7) for transferring the thermal energy accumulated on the absorbent coating material (4) and a circuit (6) for measuring the power of the beam of high frequency microwaves entering the hollow body (1). Said absorbent coating material (4) consists of boron carbide. In addition a procedure is described for coating with an absorbent material the internal surface (5) of a hollow body (1) being part of the aforementioned device for measuring a beam of high frequency microwaves (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A pyroelectric demodulating detector (also termed a pyroelectric demodulator) is disclosed which utilizes an electrical resistor stacked upon a pyroelectric element to demodulate an rf or microwave electrical input signal which is amplitude-modulated (AM). The pyroelectric demodulator, which can be formed as a hybrid or a monolithic device, has applications for use in AM radio receivers. Demodulation is performed by feeding the AM input signal into the resistor and converting the AM input signal into an AM heat signal which is conducted through the pyroelectric element and used to generate an electrical output signal containing AM information from the AM input signal.

Abstract: First, an electrode is formed on an insulation layer that has been formed on a silicon substrate, when manufacturing an infrared detection device. The electrode has a shape matching that of a thermal resistance element constituting the infrared detection device. A semiconductor substrate is placed in a reaction chamber, given a predetermined potential, and heated. Next, a material of a thermal resistor substance constituting the thermal resistance element is vaporized into a gaseous material, and the gaseous material is ion-clusterized and supplied into the reaction chamber. The gaseous material collects toward the electrode as a result of an action of an electric field generated by giving the electrode the predetermined potential. The gaseous material that came into contact with the electrode is stabilized by receiving electrons, and thermally decomposes, thus growing a thermal resistor substance on the electrode.

Abstract: A conduction structure for infrared microbolometer sensors and a method for sensing electromagnetic radiation may be provided. The microbolometer may include a first conductor layer and a second conductor layer. The microbolometer further may include a bolometer layer between the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer.

Abstract: A device and method which comprises a sensing surface on a membrane, solid surface or electrode, where the sensing surface contains a dye or chromophore chosen in relation to a particular target substance to be detected and quantified. The dye or chromophore is of a type which produces an electrical signal upon illumination. The particular dye or chromophore chosen for a particular target substance is one in which the presence of the target substance causes a change in the electrical signal produced. The presence of the target substance modifies the expected photo-induced charge movements (PICM) produced by the sensing surface upon illumination. The photo-induced charge movements produce signals which are detected by electronic circuits, and the presence and concentration of the target substance is determined by analyzing the difference between the PICM of the target sample versus the PICM of a control sample lacking the target substance.

Abstract: A system identifies a human being from the movement of the human being. The system includes a dual element pyroeleetric detector, a Fresnel lens array, and a processor. The dual element pyroelectric detector detects radiation from the human being as the human being moves over time. The Fresnel lens array is located between the dual element pyroelectric detector and the human being. The Fresnel lens array improves collection efficiency and spatial resolution of the dual element pyroelectric detector. The Fresnel lens array includes a mask. The mask provides at least one zone of visibility. The processor is coupled to the dual element pyroelectric detector, the processor converts the detected radiation to a spectral radiation signature. The processor compares the spectral radiation signature to at least a second spectral radiation signature to identify the human being.

Abstract: An infrared detector includes a silicon substrate, an infrared reflecting film, a diaphragm including a bolometer thin film, disposed above the silicon substrate across a gap, and a signal line that electrically connects the bolometer thin film and the infrared reflecting film, such that the bolometer thin film and the infrared reflecting film constantly become equipotential with each other. In place of the signal line, a conductor independently provided from interconnects in the silicon substrate may be employed.

Abstract: An infrared detecting device for reducing current consumption while maintaining performance is disclosed. The device includes a drive power supply circuit which comprises a current generating circuit and a distribution circuit, and which supplies a drive current to each of signal circuits comprising an I/V conversion circuit, a voltage amplification circuit, a detection circuit and an output circuit. The current generating circuit includes a reference current source, a fixed current source providing a fixed current based on the reference current and a variable current source providing a variable current stepped up or down to any different currents based on the reference current. The distribution circuit distributes the drive current to a part of the signal circuits based on the current from the fixed current source and distributes the drive current to a remaining part of the signal circuits based on the current from the variable current source.

Abstract: In an area of a diaphragm 5 as an infrared photosensitive portion of a thermal infrared detector, a fourth dielectric protective film 8c is etched and reduced in thickness to form a fifth dielectric protective film 8d so that the thickness of the diaphragm 5 as a whole is reduced. With this structure, the thermal capacity of the diaphragm 5 is decreased and the thermal time constant is reduced. This enables the thermal infrared detector to be operated at a high frame rate. A bolometer thin film 7 is formed throughout an entire surface of the diaphragm 5.

Abstract: Using biased, electrical power feedback to an electrical heater, the output signal from a pyroelectric detector is made to follow the waveform of incident electromagnetic radiation. The feedback power is applied to the detector to reduce the rate of change of the detector temperature that would otherwise be caused by the absorbed radiation. The combined signals from the radiation and feedback power produce a response that follows the radiation waveform with a fast rise time and with substantially less droop than previously reported. The high fidelity of the response waveform allows for a substantial simplification of the optical chopper designs and electronics needed to implement electrical calibration. In contrast to previous electrical calibration with pyroelectrics that needed very specialized electronics, with this method a variety instruments can be used for reading pyroelectric signals.

Abstract: A motion detection system includes a first sensor sensitive to infrared light in at least one detection zone and generating a first output signal representative of the detected level of infrared light. A second sensor is sensitive to visible light and generates a second output signal representative of the detected level of visible light. The second sensor is positioned proximate the first sensor. A processor is programmed to generate an alarm signal based upon the first and second output signals. The alarm signal is generated when first and second conditions are satisfied. The first condition is satisfied when the first output signal indicates motion has occurred in the at least one detection zone. The second condition is satisfied when the second output signal does not correlate to the first output signal.

Abstract: An infrared sensor package has a dielectric support which is molded from a plastic material to have a sensor mount for securing a pyroelectric element as well as an IC mount for securing an IC chip that processes a signal from the pyroelectric element. The support is molded over to be integral with metal parts. The metal parts include sensor conductors for interconnection of the pyroelectric element with the IC chip, and I/O conductors for interconnection of the IC chip with I/O pins. The sensor conductors as well as the I/O conductors are both molded into and integrally with the dielectric support.

Abstract: An infrared detecting circuit is provided with a current-to-voltage converting circuit including a capacitor connected with an inverting input terminal and an output terminal of an operational amplifier and a resistance circuit element connected in parallel with the capacitor, an inverting amplifying circuit connected with an output side of the current-to-voltage converting circuit, a band-pass filter circuit connected with an output side of the voltage amplifying circuit, and an output circuit connected with an output side of the band-pass filter circuit. The infrared detecting circuit and an infrared detector including this circuit can be miniaturized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pyroelectric infrared ray sensor fabricated by using MEMS processes, wherein an infrared ray absorption layer disposed on the most top portion of the infrared ray sensor assembly is formed with a silicon oxide film (SiO2) to exhibit an excellent absorption efficiency with respect to the infrared wavelength band of 8 to 12 mm and function as a protective film for a sensor pixel. In addition, an infrared ray absorption layer, support arms and posts are formed in a single body to allow the sensor assembly to be robust and fabricating processes to be remarkably reduced to increase a process yield.

Abstract: A method of detecting defects in structures, comprising the steps of inducing mechanical energy in a structure via the emission of a broad-band acoustic signal, and capturing over a time interval a plurality of images of the structure each of the plurality of images comprised of a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and columns each indicative of an intensity of infrared energy emitted by a portion of the structure.

Abstract: A highly-sensitive, pyroelectric infrared sensing method and apparatus that can detect infrared temperature with high sensitivity throughout the entire electromagnetic wave range including millimeter waves and radioactive rays. The supersensitive infrared sensor is an infrared sensor of a type that emits electrons from a surface of a ferroelectric body having no emitter. Therefore, a gate electrode is not required to be provided in the vicinity of an emitter. Accordingly, since electrons are emitted directly from a PZT thin film, which serves as a ferroelectric body, in proportion to a temperature variation caused by irradiation of an infrared ray, only provision of an anode is required. Further, designation of machining conditions of the surface of the ferroelectric body is unnecessary.

Abstract: A pyroelectric sensor having an active regulation for maximizing pyroelectric sensor sensitivity is disclosed. The pyroelectric sensor comprises a ferroelectric transducer, and a regulator. The ferroelectric transducer may either be a homogenous ferroelectric transducer, a compositionally graded ferroelectric transducer, or an externally graded ferroelectric transducer. The regulator may either be an excitation regulator or a temperature regulator. A method for regulating the excitation or the temperature of a pyroelectric sensor for maximizing sensitivity of the pyroelectric sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A digitally-controlled pyroelectric signal sampling circuit is proposed, which is designed to process the alternating current (AC) signal from a pyroelectric device, such as a pyroelectric infrared sensor, such that the AC signal is converted into direct current (DC) signal. The proposed digitally-controlled pyroelectric signal sampling circuit is characterized by the use of a microprocessor in conjunction with a crystal oscillator whose operating characteristics would be substantially unaffected by temperature changes in the ambient environment. This feature allows the generated trigger signal and sampling signals to be substantially fixed in frequencies and timings, without drifting due to temperature changes in the ambient environment, and therefore allows the digitally-controlled pyroelectric signal sampling circuit of the invention to provide a more accurate DC output than prior art.

Abstract: A thermal sensor for low level radiation with built-in photo-thermal gain utilizing a thin film of pyro-optical material to modulate the reflectivity and/or transmission of a photonic carrier beam. The photonic carrier beam is modulated by the temperature of the pyro-optical film and detected by typically a silicon detector. A slight temperature increase of the pyro-optical film due to absorption of low level radiation increases the coefficient of absorption of the photonic carrier beam which in turn causes a further increase in temperature of the pyro-optical film. The photonic carrier beam provides power to increase the temperature of the pyro-optical film beyond the heating caused by the absorption of low level radiation alone. This thermal amplification effect provides a radiation sensor with photo-thermal gain.

Abstract: A passive low power device for detection of boundary crossings includes a dual element pyro-electric infrared (PIR) sensor. The sensor is designed with a lens that provides a very narrow field of view and two pyro-electric elements that produce a waveform with two voltage swings of opposite polarity when a warm object moves past the sensor. The waveform is filtered and amplified before it is passed on to a comparator. The comparator triggers off the extremes of each waveform. The comparator includes two outputs that are normally high, but go low when a change in infrared radiation is detected. A processor makes an approximation of the zero crossing time based on the rising edge of the first comparator output. This approximate zero crossing time serves as an estimate of the boundary crossing time.

Abstract: A micropatterned thermosensor, e.g., an infrared sensor, includes a supporting body and at least one thermocouple arranged thereon. The thermocouple also has a first material and a second material, which together form, at least in a pointwise manner, at least one thermal contact. Furthermore, it is provided that the first and/or the second material are configured at least regionally in the form of a meander-shaped or undulating-type circuit trace and extend on the supporting body. In addition, a micropatterned thermosensor having such patterned circuit traces, in which the first material is platinum or aluminum, and the second material is doped or undoped polysilicon-germanium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pyroelectric infrared ray sensor fabricated by using MEMS processes, wherein an infrared ray absorption layer disposed on the most top portion of the infrared ray sensor assembly is formed with a silicon oxide film (SiO2) to exhibit an excellent absorption efficiency with respect to the infrared wavelength band of 8 to 12 mm and function as a protective film for a sensor pixel. In addition, an infrared ray absorption layer, support arms and posts are formed in a single body to allow the sensor assembly to be robust and fabricating processes to be remarkably reduced to increase a process yield.

Abstract: There is provided an infrared sensor unit for deactivating an electrical appliance when left unattended by its user. The sensor unit includes a passive infrared sensor for sensing the user through a field of infrared light provided within a viewable distance of the electrical appliance. An adjustable timer is in electrical communication with the passive infrared sensor for counting toward a predetermined amount of time when the user is not sensed within the field of infrared light. The sensor unit further includes a controller device which is in electrical communication with the adjustable timer for deactivating the electrical appliance upon reaching the predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A thermal detector comprises a rigid, frame-shaped support structure which supports a flexible, thin and substantially planar membrane of pyroelectric material. The major surfaces of the pyroelectric membrane carry electrodes, one of which is a common electrode and the other of which is defined as an array. One detector fabrication method involves preparing layered support structure and membrane components as separate assemblies and securing them together prior to performing finishing process steps. In an alternative method, a layered substrate is used as the foundation of a one-stage technique involving back-etching, and the frame-shaped support structure is created by processing the layered substrate subsequent to the attachment of the membrane thereto.

Abstract: An electron beam lithography apparatus, which uses a patterned emitter, includes a pyroelectric plate emitter that emits electrons using a patterned metal thin layer formed on the pyroelectric plate as a mask. When the emitter is heated, electrons are emitted from portions of the emitter covered with a patterned dielectric layer, and not from portions of the emitter covered with a patterned metal thin layer, and a pattern of the emitter is thereby projected onto a substrate. To prevent dispersion of emitted electron beams, the electron beams may be controlled by a permanent magnet, an electro-magnet, or a deflector unit. A one-to-one or x-to-one projection of a desired pattern on the substrate is thereby obtained.

Abstract: This invention consists of a radiation sensor with a thermal cycling and synchronous readout scheme. It is intended for use with pyro-optical materials which exhibit a phase transition that is hysteric. A preferred material is vanadium oxide which has a semiconductor-metal phase transition typically at 68 deg C. and a hysteresis of a few degrees C. depending on material processing. The temperature of the pyro-optical film is cycled in synchronization with readout electronics to achieve a reset reference for the readout once each repetitive cycle. When the thermal cycle is divided into two regions, a reference and a biased frame are obtained. The readout electronics compare the reference frame the biased frame to obtain a desired difference which is an unbiased frame.

Abstract: A passive infrared detector has a first sensor (1) for generating an infrared signal, representative of the difference in temperature between a heat source and the background environment of the detector, a second sensor (3), influenced by the ambient temperature in the detector, and an evaluation circuit (2) for processing the infrared signal. The evaluation circuit contains a temperature compensation (4) for influencing the sensitivity of the detector as a function of the ambient temperature. The temperature compensation (4) is designed in such a way that the sensitivity of the detector is not directly influenced by changes in the ambient temperature. Influencing of the sensitivity of the detector takes place with delay and/or as a function of the speed of the change in the ambient temperature.

Abstract: An infrared sensor package has a dielectric support which is molded from a plastic material to have a sensor mount for securing a pyroelectric element as well as an IC mount for securing an IC chip that processes a signal from the pyroelectric element. The support is molded over to be integral with metal parts. The metal parts include sensor conductors for interconnection of the pyroelectric element with the IC chip, and I/O conductors for interconnection of the IC chip with I/O pins. The sensor conductors as well as the I/O conductors are both molded into and integrally with the dielectric support.

Abstract: An infrared detecting circuit is provided with a current-to-voltage converting circuit including a capacitor connected with an inverting input terminal and an output terminal of an operational amplifier and a resistance circuit element connected in parallel with the capacitor, an inverting amplifying circuit connected with an output side of the current-to-voltage converting circuit, a band-pass filter circuit connected with an output side of the voltage amplifying circuit, and an output circuit connected with an output side of the band-pass filter circuit. The infrared detecting circuit and an infrared detector including this circuit can be miniaturized.

Abstract: A bolometer-type infrared sensor using a resistor with a hysteresis in its thermal characteristic of resistance increases the sensitivity. A first temperature controller raises or drops the temperature of the diaphragm from its outside. A second temperature controller raises the temperature of the diaphragm from its inside by supplying electricity to the bolometer film. The first temperature controller defines a lower-side temperature of a temperature cycle while the first and second temperature controllers define an upper-side temperature thereof. The temperature of the diaphragm is controlled according to the temperature cycle. A signal on the diaphragm is read out at the upper-side temperature.

Abstract: A passive low power device for detection of boundary crossings includes a dual element pyro-electric infrared (PIR) sensor. The sensor is designed with a lens that provides a very narrow field of view and two pyro-electric elements that produce a waveform with two voltage swings of opposite polarity when a warm object moves past the sensor. The waveform is filtered and amplified before it is passed on to a comparator. The comparator triggers off the extremes of each waveform. The comparator includes two outputs that are normally high, but go low when a change in infrared radiation is detected. A processor makes an approximation of the zero crossing time based on the rising edge of the first comparator output. This approximate zero crossing time serves as an estimate of the boundary crossing time.

Abstract: Arrays of pyroelectric elements are used in surveillance systems by focusing the radiation from a scene on to them and examining the output from the array. If an object is moved into the scene and left stationary, it will hinder the subsequent operation of the system by masking part of the scene from the field of view of the array; this fault condition may be detected by the following procedure. At intervals arrangements are made to move the image of the scene to and from across the array using a suitable transducer and the outputs from the array are examined. The outputs from the array when the scene is in its normal condition and the image is moved across the array comprise a set of signals corresponding to a reference image, which may be compared with the corresponding outputs from the array when the image is moved across the array on a subsequent occasion.

Abstract: A signal processing technique applied to the readout of two-dimensional detector arrays provides a dynamic correction mechanism for the varying offsets of the different elements of the array. The outputs of the elements are supplied to an offset correction circuit operative to compensate for the differences in the d.c. or low frequency outputs from a predetermined voltage wherein a fraction of the difference is subtracted at each successive cycle to gradually reduce the difference.

Abstract: An object detecting device utilizes a pyroelectric sensor providing a sensing current, a voltage amplifier providing an amplified voltage proportional to the sensing current, and a level monitor providing a detection signal when the amplified voltage exceeds a detection threshold. The device has a standby mode where the voltage amplifier receives a limited source current to provide the voltage of low amplification, and the level monitor provides a wake-up signal when the low amplified voltage exceeds a preliminary threshold lower than the detection threshold. In response to the wake-up signal, the device is switched to an operation mode where the amplifier receives a rated source current to provide a voltage of high amplification for comparison with the detection threshold. Thus, the amplifier is kept to be less-power consuming in the absence of the wake-up signal, reducing a power requirement.

Abstract: A method for reading a microbolometer array that is arranged into a number of rows and columns. Preferably, the method includes deselecting all columns in the microbolometer array for a period of time after a new row read line is selected. This may help reduce transients on the newly selected row read line during an actual read operation.

Abstract: A pyroelectric detector with significantly reduced microphonic noise sensitivity that includes a pyroelectric detector element constructed from a z-cut LiNbO3 or LiTaO3 electret. Selective domain reversal is accomplished in the electret by applying an electric field. Electrodes are attached to either surface of the electret spanning the domain reversed region and a portion of the original domain region to create areas of equal and opposite sensitivity. The detector is mounted in an electrically grounded container or housing. The detector may also be constructed having multiple detector regions to accommodate resonant acoustic frequencies of the electret, to function as a position sensor, or both. In other words, the position sensor has multiple domain regions that also accommodate acoustic frequencies. The detector may also be constructed having domain reversed regions placed on the electret in a periodic pattern having a geometry and spacing that is related to the acoustic impulse response of the electret.

Abstract: The pyroelectric sensor includes a plurality of pixels (12A) each formed of a thin pyroelectric film (20A) and first and second electrodes (14, 28) arranged on either side of said film. The lower electrodes (28) are structured, i.e. they are micromachined so as to form electrodes belonging to the pixels so as to reduce the thermal cross-talk between the pixels. The pyroelectric film is porous. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the porous pyroelectric film is continuous and uniformly deposited on the sensor substrate. The porous films have reduced thermal conductivity, allowing sensors with a high level resolution to be obtained without requiring micromachining of the pyroelectric layer between the pixels.

Abstract: A self-calibrating nulling radiometer for non-contact temperature measurement of an object, such as a body of water, employs a black body source as a temperature reference, an optomechanical mechanism, e.g., a chopper, to switch back and forth between measuring the temperature of the black body source and that of a test source, and an infrared detection technique. The radiometer functions by measuring radiance of both the test and the reference black body sources; adjusting the temperature of the reference black body so that its radiance is equivalent to the test source; and, measuring the temperature of the reference black body at this point using a precision contact-type temperature sensor, to determine the radiative temperature of the test source.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved electromagnetic radiation detector having a micromachined electrostatic chopping device. The MEMS flexible film chopping device provides reliability, efficiency, noise reduction and temperature fluctuation compensation capabilities to the associated electromagnetic radiation detector. An electromagnetic radiation detector having an electrostatic chopper device comprises a detector material element, first and second electrodes in electrical contact with the detector material element and electrically isolated from one another. Additionally, the chopper device will incorporate a flexible film actuator overlying the detector material layer and moveable relative thereto. The flexible film actuator will typically include an electrode element and a biasing element such that the actuator remains in a fully curled, open state absent electrostatic voltage and moves to a fully uncurled, closed state upon the application of electrostatic voltage.