Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing gas flow through features fabricated in a hollow part. A pressurized gas is applied to an interior of the part, and this gas pressure flows outward through features fabricated in the part. At the same time, a stabilizing pressurized gas is applied to an exterior part skin; and the stabilizing gas has a controlled temperature differential from the gas applied to the part interior. An infrared signature of escaping gas and the surrounding part skin is analyzed by a classification method. Analysis of this infrared signature classifies the relative flow rate, size and position of the feature fabricated in the part.

Abstract: A passive, remote sensor including an optical subsystem for receiving electromagnetic radiation scattered off a surface. A detector is responsive to electromagnetic radiation received by the optical subsystem and generates a composite signal comprising a DC current component and an AC current component. A filter extracts the DC current component from the composite signal. A light emitting device is driven by the DC current component. A detector is responsive to the light emitting device and is connected to the first detector to subtract at least a portion of the DC component from the composite signal producing a modified signal. An amplifier is responsive to the modified signal detects vibrations of the surface to be detected.

Abstract: A microbolometer IR FPA is provided with in-situ vacuum sensing capability by realizing that the IR sensor microbolometer pixel element itself may be used as a vacuum sensor. The application of an electrical signal to the resistive element heats the bolometer material thereby producing a variable resistance related to vacuum level. The degree of variability for a given material depends on the efficiency of heat transfer from the material to the surrounding environment. In a good vacuum, heat transfer is poor, and thus heat will be retained in the material to produce a relatively large temperature increase and the resistance variability will be large. In a poor vacuum, heat is readily transferred to the environment and the temperature rise will be relatively small and thus resistance variability will be small. Consequently, the variable resistance magnitude can be readout to determine the vacuum level.

Abstract: A system for the detection and analysis of at least one volatile substance in breath samples of a subject, including at least one source of infrared radiation adapted to the wavelength range of specific absorption peaks of said substances, a plurality of reflecting surfaces of said radiation adapted for collimation onto at least one detector providing a plurality of electrical output signals corresponding to the transmission of said radiation within wavelength intervals corresponding to said absorption peaks, at least one measuring cell including a mechanical support structure defining the position of said source, reflecting surfaces and detector, adapted to the reception and disposal of said breath sample, and exposing it to said radiation, at least one electronic signal processing unit with capacity to analyse said signals with respect to pre-programmed information concerning infrared absorption spectra of said substances.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting incoming radiation, including: a housing for receiving the incoming radiation, a lens attached to the housing to transmit incoming radiation into a radiation shield unit within the housing; a bandpass filter within the radiation shield unit to filter the incoming radiation falling outside a predetermined spectral band; an uncooled infrared detector within the radiation shield unit for detecting infrared radiation; wherein the bandpass filter is located along an optical path between the lens and the infrared detector; and wherein the lens optically focuses the incoming radiation onto the infrared detector. The radiation shield unit, the bandpass filter and the infrared detector are cooled to a temperature slightly less than room temperature, resulting in an improved signal to noise ratio of the image obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing gas flow through features fabricated in a hollow part. A pressurized gas is applied to an interior of the part, and this gas pressure flows outward through features fabricated in the part. At the same time, a stabilizing pressurized gas is applied to an exterior part skin; and the stabilizing gas has a controlled temperature differential from the gas applied to the part interior. An infrared signature of escaping gas and the surrounding part skin is analyzed by a classification method. Analysis of this infrared signature classifies the relative flow rate, size and position of the feature fabricated in the part.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting imperfections in a membrane electrode assembly of an electrochemical fuel cell, and more particularly for detecting defects within a proton exchange membrane in a membrane electrode assembly which is optionally sandwiched between conductive diffusion media layers or between conductive diffusion layers with at least one rigid solid that is transparent to infrared radiation. A potential voltage is applied across the membrane and the presence of a defect and preferably the location of a defect is determined by monitoring variations in intensity level of infrared radiation emitted from a surface of the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device, such as a CMOS sensor, includes a unit pixel having a charge generation unit for generating signal charge, a floating diffusion for accumulating the signal charge generated by the charge generation unit, a transfer gate transistor for transferring the signal charge in the charge generation unit to the floating diffusion, a reset transistor for resetting the floating diffusion, and an amplifying transistor for generating a signal in accordance with the signal charge generated by the charge generation unit and outputting the signal to a vertical signal line. The width of a reset pulse for driving the reset transistor is sufficiently decreased to, for example, less than or equal to ½, and preferably less than or equal to ? of the response time of a signal that has occurred on the vertical signal line in response to the reset pulse.

Abstract: A radiometer and method for providing an indication of the amount of time (exposure duration) needed to cause a light curable dental resin composite material to maximally polymerize in response to the application of light from any light-curing source during the preparation of a dental restoration. It describes a radiometer comprising a sample holder of a size designed to hold a sample equivalent of said dental light curable dental material such that the thickness of the sample of light curable material in the sample holder will correspond to the depth of the composite material in the dental restoration; a solid state light sensor; a microprocessor programmed to respond to the output voltage or change in electrical resistance of the light sensor based upon an algorithm defining a mathematical model representative of the change in light transmission through the light curable dental material as a function of the degree to which said light curable dental material is being polymerized.

Abstract: The scanning device for radiographic media (28) is made of a rotatable vacuum drum (40) has an external surface (42) that, rotates about a longitudinal axis (7); the radiographic media is disposed on the external surface; a moveable scan bar (24) is mounted on two translation rods adjacent the drum; at least one scan module is mounted on the moveable scan bar; a translation drive is connected to the moveable scan bar for moving the moveable scan bar perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; an analog to digital converter (32) in communication with the scan modules receives scanned signals from the scan modules; a control process unit (34) receives scanned signals; and an output device (36) for writes the received scanned signals onto diagnostic media.

Abstract: A detection apparatus is discloses comprising an emitter for emitting a plurality of optical pulses; a detector for receiving the optical pulses from the emitter; and a controller connected to the emitter and the detector, the controller comparing a difference between at least one pulse received at the detector and at least one other pulse received at the detector with a threshold to detect the presence of an object between the emitter and detector. Also discloses is an object processing system, which automatically detects the presence of objects at at least one predetermined location during object processing, comprising an object processing subsystem; and an object detection subsystem communicatively connected to the object processing subsystem.

Abstract: The present invention realizes accurate determination on marking without using an infrared sensor having high responsiveness and high precision. An infrared sensor is disposed such that a region of a predetermined range on the downstream side in the feed direction of an X-ray film with respect to a scan line, the region including the scan line as a laser beam irradiation position, becomes a detection region. Not only an infrared ray emitted from the laser beam irradiation position but also infrared rays emitted from a plurality of dots formed on the X-ray film irradiated with a laser beam can be also detected by the infrared sensor. Consequently, an output from the infrared sensor is stabilized and by comparing the output with a threshold, occurrence of erroneous printing, poor printing, and the like can be accurately detected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for inspecting parts for surface contamination including the steps of covering the part with a film of water, and then scanning the wetted part with a infrared camera to preserve the reflected image of the reflected infrared light thereby defining a water break area of contamination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reconstructing a plurality of images of an object. An exemplary system includes a radiation source adapted to emit radiation at a plurality of frequencies; a lens with frequency-dependent focal length, such as a Fresnel lens, adapted to receive radiation modified by the object and to project onto a fixed image plane a frequency-dependent image of a slice of the object perpendicular to the radiation path; a sensor for capturing the frequency-dependent image of the object; and apparatus for facilitating creation and capture of a plurality of frequency-dependent images of the object at the plurality of frequencies. A system for reconstructing a tomographic image of the object further includes apparatus for assembling the plurality of frequency-dependent images to reconstruct the tomographic image. Methods and systems are described for use in the visible, audible, and THz frequency ranges and with broadband or narrowband radiation sources.

Abstract: Methods for examining through holes of a component according to prior art generally use hot gases for the thermographic detection of blockages. The inventive method for examining the structure of through holes of a component considerably simplifies said techniques, using a medium which has at least one absorption edge in the region of the wavelength of the camera and thus appears opaque in the camera image.

Abstract: A body fat measuring apparatus is provided with a light emitting device 1 for projecting light rays to a subject's tissue, light receiving devices 3 and 4 for detecting a transmitted light ray having passed through the subject's tissue and/or a reflected light ray reflected inside the subject's body, and a CPU 6 for calculating the subject's subcutaneous fat thickness and/or body fat percentage by performing an operation by use of the detection results of the light receiving devices 3 and 4. The light receiving devices 3 and 4 are situated at different distances from the light emitting device 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for measurement of Raman scattered radiation comprising. The apparatus comprises at least one source of electromagnetic radiation for producing an electromagnetic radiation beam characterized by a narrow spectral width, an integrating cavity having an interior and an exterior, wherein a sample is placed in said interior. The integrating cavity further having at least one port for insertion of the sample in the interior and for transmission of the electromagnetic radiation into and out from the interior, the at least one port extending from the exterior to said interior of said integrating cavity. The integrating cavity also comprises a first optical element for transmitting the electromagnetic radiation into the interior of the integrating cavity through the at least one port, and a second optical element for collecting Raman scattered electromagnetic radiation from the sample through the at least one port.

Abstract: Mesoporous silica is shown to be a sample holder for laser desorption/ionization of mass spectrometry. Supported mesoporous silica was prepared by coating an ethanolic silicate solution having a removable surfactant onto a substrate to produce a self-assembled, ordered, nanocomposite silica thin film. The surfactant was chosen to provide a desired pore size between about 1 nanometer diameter and 50 nanometers diameter. Removal of the surfactant resulted in a mesoporous silica thin film on the substrate. Samples having a molecular weight below 1000, such as C60 and tryptophan, were adsorbed onto and into the mesoporous silica thin film sample holder and analyzed using laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The method implements time-optimized acquisition of special spectra using a scanning microscope, for which purpose the spectrum is subjected to bisecting interval measurements. The method for time-optimized acquisition of special spectra (emission spectra) using a scanning microscope is implemented in several steps. Firstly a complete spectrum to be examined, within which at least one special spectrum (emission spectrum) is located, is split into at least two intervals. The interval in which the intensity lies above a specific threshold is selected. That interval is split into at least two further intervals, and the procedure is continued until the size of the interval corresponds to the lower limit of the scanning microscope's measurement accuracy. The location of the special spectrum in the complete spectrum is defined, and an interval around it is created and is measured linearly.

Abstract: The present invention resides in an infrared identification system for identifying military vehicles as friendly or hostile. The infrared identification system includes a seed introduction system, in each friendly vehicle, that introduces trace quantities of a particular seed formulation into the vehicle's exhaust. An infrared detection system, also in each friendly vehicle, detects the spectrally-discrete thermal emissions of the seed formulation to identify those vehicles having the thermal emissions as friendly. The infrared identification system provides rapid and positive friend or foe identification of land, sea and air vehicles at long ranges without being jammed, intercepted or mimicked.

Abstract: Thermal images of an object are produced outdoors so as to be significantly differentiated temporally and/or geometrically and be inclusive of natural background such as would be illuminated by sunlight. A calibration of the thermal imager (e.g., radiometer) against theoretical blackbody radiation is effected using measured incident radiation, resulting in a calculated pixel intensity. A system transfer function calculation of the pixel intensity is effected, resulting in a radiance. A matrix inversion calculation of all of the radiances considered together is effected, resulting in a bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF). Advantageously, the BRDF is determined from the target in a direct but mathematically-enhanced manner, thereby making economic use of natural illumination and obviating the need for modelling, simulating or reconstructing the target.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of processing a plurality of spectra. The method includes receiving values associated with a plurality of sample spots on one or more sample chips, wherein the values were entered using graphic elements representing the sample spots, the graphic elements being displayed on a graphical user interface. Data representing a plurality of signals are received. Each signal in the plurality of signals is annotated with a set of values associated with the sample spot from which the signal is generated.

Abstract: A system and method for THz imaging utilizing a single THz detector that detects an image of a large area and provides good spatial details (high resolution). In one aspect, the system can individually modulate a different pixel of an image. The system could be a series of masks. Each mask may include holes that may be turned on/off with a distinct pattern from all of the other holes. Once the data for each mask has been received, the data for each hole may be extracted according to its modulation pattern. Another modulation system may include a micro-mirror array that deflects the THz signal towards or away from the THz detector.

Abstract: A system and method for THz imaging utilizing a single THz detector that detects an image of a large area and provides good spatial details (high resolution). In one aspect, the THz beam passes through an object to be imaged, and a THz fiber bundle having a plurality of THz fibers collect the THz beam on the other side of the object and transmit the beams to a single THz detector. Each THz fiber imparts a different time delay to the beam traveling therein. Therefore, the spatial information is converted into time information in the form of time delays. Knowing the distance each part of the imaging area must travel (hence the time it takes) before reaching the THz detector, one can recover the spatial information from the time data. In another aspect, the THz fiber bundle is replaced with a mask having an array of holes with each hole having a different depth or a different refractive index. In still another aspect, the THz fiber array is replaced with a plate holding different masks.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling continuously variable headlamps on a controlled vehicle includes an imaging system capable of determining lateral and elevational locations of headlamps from oncoming vehicles and tail lamps from leading vehicles. The system also includes a control unit that can acquire an image from in front of the controlled vehicle. The image covers a glare area including points at which drivers of oncoming and leading vehicles would perceive the headlamps to cause excessive glare. The image is processed to determine if at least one oncoming or leading vehicle is within the glare area. If at least one vehicle is within the glare area, the headlamp illumination range is reduced. Otherwise, the illumination range is set to full illumination range.

Abstract: There are disclosed a nonlinear optical crystal 1 which can generate a THz wave by a parametric effect; a pump light incidence apparatus 12 for allowing a pump light 2 to be incident upon the nonlinear optical crystal; and a seed light injection apparatus 14 for injecting a seed light 5 having a variable frequency in a generation direction of an idler light 3 generated by the pump light. The seed light injection apparatus 14 comprises angle dispersion compensation means 16 set so that an incidence angle ?IN of the seed light upon the nonlinear optical crystal 1 substantially equals to a desired phase matching condition regardless of a wavelength.

Abstract: An infrared absorption gauge includes a detector circuit including a detector for detecting electromagnetic radiation from a sample and for generating a signal representing the radiation received, and means for stabilizing a response characteristic of the detector to the radiation detected thereby, said stabilizing means having a GaAs diode for directing radiation at the detector and means for controlling the radiation source in dependence upon the signal generated by the detector. The stabilizing means thus acts as a negative feedback loop and seeks to maintain the overall illumination irradiating the detector (i.e. the combined illumination that is reflected back from the sample and that is emitted by the GaAs diode), at a substantially constant predetermined level, which tends to linearize and extend the frequency response of the detector to the radiation detected.

Abstract: Outdoor passive infra-red motion detector circuitry with circuit improvements that greatly reduce incidents of false activation. The motion detector includes one or more infra-red sensors and circuitry for amplifying and filtering the signal from the sensors. The amplification and filtering circuitry has a pass band for signals from the one or more sensors corresponding to a range of speeds of motion of a person moving in the field of view of the motion detector. The ability of the motion detector circuitry to filter out certain environmental sources of false activations is enhanced by providing the pass band with a very steep rolloff at the lower cutoff. In one embodiment the amplification and filtering circuitry is provided with three op amp stages, each stage being configured to contribute a nominal 6 db per octave rolloff to the lower cutoff.

Abstract: A method in the process of manufacturing and/or finishing a fiber web (11), in which method the Continuous and moving web (11), and/or a moving device (16, 17) related to the processing of the web (11), is monitored by one or more thermal cameras (10) of the infrared range or a corresponding detector/detectors for the purpose of controlling the quality or condition. A substantially continuous two-dimensional thermal image or continuous thermal chart (20) of an object (11, 16, 17) being monitored and in a propagating and/or rotating movement is formed by said detector/detectors in a time-resolved manner and in synchronization with the movement of the object (11, 16, 17) in the direction of the movement.

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: THz imaging apparatus and methods are provided for rapidly and effectively examining a region of interest to determine the presence of specified compositions. The apparatus includes means for generating electromagnetic radiation of a desired terahertz frequency suitable for the examination, and for rendering the radiation incident at the region of interest. Detector means are provided at a plurality of points in a plane spaced from the region of interest, for detecting the terahertz radiation reflected from or transmitted through the region. Means are provided for converting the detected terahertz radiation to an image of the region of interest from which the presence of the specified compositions are determinable.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the amount of an organic substance in a biological sample using infrared electromagnetic radiation. For example, glucose levels can be detected in capillary fluid filtrate obtained subcutaneously in a continuous manner in order to provide real-time glucose monitoring for a patient with diabetes.

Abstract: A rapid diagnosis method for organ specific disease state is based on obtaining an infrared absorbance spectra of a patient's blood at a frequency range from about 400 cm−1 to about 2000 cm−1 and further from about 3000 cm−1 to about 3100 cm−1. Comparing it with the predetermined normal infrared absorbance spectra of known healthy subjects for the presence or absence of predetermined features such as increase or decrease of infrared absorbance, peaks at particular frequencies allows for accurate diagnosis of a disease of an organ, including most major organs such as a heart, lungs, stomach, liver, kidneys, brain, etc.

Abstract: An interference filter transmission wavelength scanning photometer operable to determine the concentration of an interesting component in a sample without interference from coexisting components by measuring the light absorption of the interesting component. An angle of inclination of an interference filter varies periodically and is centered at the maximum absorption wavelength of the interesting component. The wavelength of a transmitted light is modulated due to the periodical variation of the angle of inclination. Variation in the intensity of the light transmitted through a sample is extracted by an infrared sensor as an electric signal. The time between rise and fall zero cross points of an AC component of the electric signal is determined by a microprocessor. A ratio is calculated from a full period and a half period of the AC component. The concentration of the interesting component is determined from a variation in the calculation of the ratio.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) sensitive pixel and an IR imager including the same. According to one embodiment, the pixel includes a substrate assembly having a cavity defined by at least one sidewall and a cantilevered beam connected to the substrate assembly and disposed in the cavity. The cantilevered beam includes a first spring portion and a first capacitor plate portion, wherein the first spring portion includes at least two materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The pixel further includes a second capacitor plate portion, such that incident IR radiation causes the first spring portion of the cantilevered beam to move laterally relative to the sidewall, thereby creating a variable capacitance between the first capacitor plate portion of the cantilevered beam and the second capacitor plate portion.

Abstract: An invention is described, which uses terahertz radiation for chemical sensing and gas analysis. Relatively narrow-band THz radiation is generated by impinging an optical pulse train from a short-pulse laser source on a THz emitter. Coherent detection of the resulting THz radiation is accomplished by using a similar optical pulse train to activate the THz sensor. The invention is shown to detect and indicate various concentrations of water vapor in air. Optimal phase biasing conditions give maximum sensitivity to variations in concentration of the species under investigation.

Abstract: An alarm system automatically monitors activity and directional motion in a predetermined area. When the system detects a particular movement in an area, an alarm is triggered which ultimately notifies a system operator or allows the system to initiate some other automated activity. The system detects movement by comparing changes in the center of mass of objects captured in sequential video image frames. In addition, filters may be added to decrease the number of false alarms. Specifically, the alarms may only be generated if the system detects movement in a particular direction and if the moving object detected by the video camera is of a particular size. The system comprises a video camera, a video display, and a processing unit. The processing unit comprises a bus interface that connects a central processor (CPU), computer memory (RAM and ROM), a video processing unit, a video output unit, and an input interface unit.

Abstract: The present invention resides in an infrared identification system for identifying military vehicles as friendly or hostile. The infrared identification system includes a seed introduction system, in each friendly vehicle, that introduces trace quantities of a particular seed formulation into the vehicle's exhaust. An infrared detection system, also in each friendly vehicle, detects the spectrally-discrete thermal emissions of the seed formulation to identify those vehicles having the thermal emissions as friendly. The infrared identification system provides rapid and positive friend or foe identification of land, sea and air vehicles at long ranges without being jammed, intercepted or mimicked.

Abstract: The invention includes a particle detection system that detects bioparticles in a sample utilizing a sensor device that receives photoacoustic signals from a sample. The invention includes a system for distinguishing biologically active particles from non-biologically active particles in a sample utilizing a transducer to receive a laser induced photoacoustic signal from the sample and a fluorescence detector to receive laser induced fluorescence. The invention includes a method of screening a sample for the presence of one or more particle types by subjecting a sample to laser light and measuring at least one photonic response and at least one acoustic response are measured from the sample to produce a sample composite data set which is compared to a signature data set from a control sample. The invention also includes methods for detecting a change in the particle composition within a test area.

Abstract: An infrared image-processing apparatus capable of binarization processing in response to the change of the brightness histogram includes an image-processing unit which executes a binarization processing for an infrared image using a threshold brightness value determined in a previous processing, and calculates an area ratio P. When the binarization area ratio P is below a prescribed value &agr; (%), and if the threshold brightness value is not the minimum threshold brightness value Mm_TH, the threshold brightness value ITH is reduced by subtracting a predetermined ratio. Similarly, when the binarization area ratio P is above predetermined value &bgr; (%), and the threshold brightness value is not the maximum threshold brightness value Max_TH, the threshold brightness value is increased by incrementing a prescribed value to the threshold brightness value ITH.

Abstract: A body fat measuring apparatus is provided with a light emitting device 1 for projecting light rays to a subject's tissue, light receiving devices 3 and 4 for detecting a transmitted light ray having passed through the subject's tissue and/or a reflected light ray reflected inside the subject's body, and a CPU 6 for calculating the subject's subcutaneous fat thickness and/or body fat percentage by performing an operation by use of the detection results of the light receiving devices 3 and 4. The light receiving devices 3 and 4 are situated at different distances from the light emitting device 1.

Abstract: A background rejection circuit uses the harmonic content of an angularly narrow target to produce a signal. The signal is used to modulate an externally derived audio signal to produce a target indication signal free of background noise.

Abstract: The passive infrared detector contains a heat-sensitive sensor and a focusing device for focusing thermal rays incident on the detector from the room under surveillance onto the sensor. The focusing device has focusing elements for surveillance regions having different positions in the room under surveillance. Each focusing element comprises a number of sub-elements, with the result that the surveillance regions are split up vertically into subzones having slightly different elevation. In a majority of the surveillance regions, the subzones overlap at most only slightly. Human being and animals are distinguished by the amplitude of the sensor signal which is proportional to the number of subzones interrupted by the object in the room under surveillance. The number of sub-elements and correspondingly the number of subzones increases with decreasing radial distance of the respective surveillance region from the detector.

Abstract: A thermopile far infrared radiation detection apparatus for crime prevention that is capable of detecting with certainty an intruder who is entering a monitoring space regardless of temperature changes of the space or how fast the intruder enters the space. The detection apparatus utilizes three or more thermopiles to detect an intruder into the space and in which output difference between detection values outputted from a pair of said thermopiles is obtained, and then, the intruder is detected by the comparison between these output differences obtained from different pairs of the thermopiles.

Abstract: An infrared photodetector focal plane array includes large dynamic range Read Out Integrated Circuits. Increased dynamic ranges are achieved in each ROIC of the array using switched capacitor filter arrangements that include a single “cup” capacitor and at least two “bucket” capacitors. Dynamic range is improved by controlling the ratio of the current to voltage transfer resistance gains between the “cup” capacitor and each “bucket” capacitor of the filter. With an increased dynamic range, the switched capacitor filter arrangement allows the focal plane array to adequately resolve the infrared radiation received from both hot and cold objects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in the process of manufacturing and/or finishing a fibre web (11), in which method said continuous and moving web (11), and/or a moving means (16, 17) related to the processing of the web (11), is monitored by one or more thermal cameras (10) of the infrared range or a corresponding detector/detectors for the purpose of controlling the quality or condition. According to the invention, a substantially continuous two-dimensional thermal image or continuous thermal chart (20) of an object (11, 16, 17) being monitored and in a propagating and/or rotating movement is formed by said detector/detectors in a time-resolved manner and in synchronization with the movement of the object (11, 16, 17) in the direction of the movement.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for detecting modulated or active infrared light comprises a photodiode mounted on the base aperture of a wave guide for focusing infrared light onto the photodiode. The wave guide is preferably pyramid shaped and has a reflective surface on the inner surface. The apex of the wave guide comprises an acute angle from about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees. Units to process the signal and amplify the signal are attached thereto. The device may also include a Fresnel lens and a means to adjust the voltage of the active infrared signal processing means to improve detection capabilities.

Abstract: A method uses an infrared imaging system to produce an image of a scene. Actual infrared radiation from the scene is detected to form a biased signal representing the radiances of objects wiithin the scene, and the biased signal is diffracted by causing rays of the radiation to pass through an array of lenslets at angles devitated from their normal path. The array includes an infrared transmissive deformable film which retains a pattern stamped into it, the pattern including a plurality of the diffracting lenslets. The diffracted and defocused radiation is detected to form a reference signal, the reference signal is subtracted from the biased signal to obtain an unbiased signal, and an image is generated and displayed in reponse to the unbiased signal.

Abstract: A night vision system 10 is provided for detecting objects at relatively low visible light levels. The system 10 includes an infrared light source 14. The system 10 further includes a thin sheet optical element 16 extending along a first axis 27 receiving light from the infrared light source 14 and reflecting the light generally in a first direction. Finally, the system 10 includes an infrared camera for receiving the light reflected off objects in the environment and generating a video signal responsive to the received light.

Abstract: A sensor/support system includes a sensor assembly having a planar radiation detector lying parallel to a reference plane, a readout circuit, and an interconnect joining the radiation detector to the readout circuit. The system further includes a support structure, the support structure having a platform with a first side to which the sensor assembly is affixed and a second side oppositely disposed from the first side. A shim is affixed to the second side of the platform. The shim is made of a shim material different from the detector material and the platform material. The shim reduces the strain in the interconnect when the temperature of the sensor/support system is changed, as compared with the strain in the interconnect in the absence of the stabilization structure.