Abstract: An apparatus for detecting position or temperature distribution of an object has a lens which is rotated around a pyroelectric type infrared sensor to collect incident infrared ray on the sensor while scanning the incident infrared ray in a rotational direction. The optical scanning is operated also in the longitudinal direction by providing with a plurality of lenses having different view in the longitudinal direction, the lenses being rotated sequentialy around the sensor. Further, detection of temperature of an object is conducted without using optical chopper by alternately observing the object and a standard temperature material which is arranged in a part of view, or by providing a stationary slit unit on a curved surface formed around a center axis which is the same as the rotation axis of the lens and a movable slit unit having the same pitch and arranged adjacent to the stationary slit unit and rotating together with the lens to intermitting the incident infrared ray.

Abstract: An optical motion and angle sensor comprising a chamber, a light source for emitting light into a first half of the chamber along an axis of the chamber, and a plurality of light detectors for receiving light exiting from a second half of the chamber, at an angle relative to the axis of the chamber. When applied as a motion sensor, the sensor facilitates discrimination between various types of motion, and specifically allows the discrimination of slight normal motion from motion associated with incapacity of a person wearing the sensor. In addition, the sensor can provide this discrimination regardless of orientation. When applied as an angle sensor, the sensor facilitates the detection of the angle of inclination of the sensor relative to an axis, as well as the direction of the inclination.

Abstract: An advanced infrared (IR) Sensor based on the present invention would add the following two elements to a basic staring IR sensor using a 2 dimensional array of detector elements to significantly enhance the detection sensitivity of the device. The added features are: (1) Additional optics or modification to the normal optics to scan the image over a small fraction of the array dimensions so that each point in the image is sampled by a number of different detector elements, and (2) signal processing to combine the multiple samples for each image point so as to exclude the effects of "dead", "weak" or excessively noisy detector elements and average out the element to element sensitivity variations and calibration/correction imperfections of the "normal" elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distinguishing and separating material items having different levels of absorption of penetrating electromagnetic radiation by utilizing a source of radiation for irradiating an irradiation zone extending transversely of a feed path over which the material items are fed or passed. The irradiation zone includes a plurality of transversely spaced radiation detectors for receiving the radiation beams from the radiation source. The material items passing through the irradiation zone between the radiation source and the detectors measures one or more of the transmitted beams in each item passing through the irradiation zone to produce processing signals which are analyzed by signal analyzers to produce actuated signals for actuating a separator device in order to discharge the irradiated items toward different locations depending upon the level of radiation absorption in each of the items.

Abstract: A system for performing IR spectroscopy, including a light source for transmitting a beam of light through a sample on to a detector, including a pair of first conical non-imaging concentrators tapered towards each other and disposed between the light source and the sample, so as to render the beam of light substantially uniform with respect to the sample regardless of their mutual spatial disposition.

Abstract: An integrating cylinder for use as an illuminator for a film scanner includes a hollow cylinder including an inner surface defining a cavity therein and an outer surface, a diffusing layer of reflective material covering an inner surface of the hollow cylinder, a first end plate for sealing a near end of the hollow cylinder, and a second end plate for sealing a far end of the hollow cylinder opposite the near end. The hollow cylinder defines a slit formed parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder between the inner and outer surfaces at a predetermined line along a circumference of the hollow cylinder. The first end plate defines a hole which is decentered from the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder and can be tilted at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder towards an area of the inner surface of the hollow cylinder.

Abstract: A radiation detector employs a thermopile having a potentiometer for calibrating the thermopile output to best suit a particular output meter and sensing application. A thermocouple may be connected in series with the thermopile. The output of the thermopile is calibrated to best match a linear function which intersects the thermopile output function at a temperature in the center of a temperature range of interest. A total output signal of the detector is the sum of the thermopile signal and the thermocouple signal, and is indicative of the temperature of a target emitting radiation sensed by the thermopile. The series connection of the thermopile and the thermocouple allow the thermopile hot junction temperature to be referenced to the cold junction temperature of the thermocouple. Thus, the reference temperature may be remote from the thermopile sensor. A filtering lens may be used to prevent short wavelength radiation from reaching the thermopile sensor, improving the linearity of the thermopile response.

Abstract: An electronic circuit element comprising a substrate having a predetermined electric characteristic and a pair of opposing surfaces. At least one first electrode is provided on one of the surfaces of the substrate while a second electrode is provided on the other of the surfaces of the substrate so as to oppose the at least one first electrode. A lead electrode is provided on the other surface of the substrate so as to extend from an edge of the second electrode. A compensating electrode is provided to at least one of the first and second electrodes on the substrate for compensating for a difference in the overlapping area between the first electrode and the second electrode inclusive of the lead electrode, due to a deviation in a disposition of the second electrode on the basis of the first electrode.

Abstract: A detection assembly is disclosed for an infrared monitoring system, comprising a strip of elementary infrared detectors for analyzing the background of a scene. The elementary detectors are image formation detectors having sensitive areas smaller than the optical spots produced by the hot objects to be detected. The assembly comprises circuitry adapted for grouping together the image formation detectors virtually into virtual monitoring detectors having sensitive areas adapted to said optical spot, the grouping together circuitry comprising circuitry for summation in elevation of p contiguous intermediate image formation detectors at the pitch of q detectors with overlapping of p-q intermediate detectors from one monitoring detector to the next and circuitry for summation in relative bearing of r image formation samples at the pitch of s samples with an overlap of r-s samples from one monitoring pixel to the next.

Abstract: An optical radiation detector utilizes a unitary V-shaped or conical reflector element located within an internal cavity of an optically transmissive capped housing to provide a 180.degree. cylindrical swath or 2.pi. steradian hemispherical field-of-view in a compact package. Radiation from a central portion of the field-of-view received into the open top of the reflector is directed by internal reflective surfaces through an apex aperture onto a central sensing element. Radiation from peripheral points of the field-of-view received outside the open top is directed by external reflective surfaces outside the apex aperture onto outer sensing elements. Bandwidth filtering of the sensed radiation is provided either by selection of material for the cap, or by adding an optical filter plate between the reflector and sensing elements. The reflector is attached either to the undersurface of the cap top, or above the filter plate.

Abstract: An infrared detector assembly (12) of the type used in munitions and night vision systems having an improved focal plane platform (10) construction. In accordance with this invention, the thermally conductive focal plane platform (10) supports a detector array (26) and integrated readout chips (28). The focal plane platform (10) includes relatively thermally non-conductive inserts (38) disposed in cavities (36) positioned generally below each integrated read out chip (28). The inserts insulate the chips (28) during cryogenic cooling of detector array (26). Freeze-out of the chips (28) is thereby inhibited.

Abstract: A radiation pyrometer has four rectangular photodiodes mounted in an orthogonal array. Radiation from a hot body is focussed as a circular image centrally of the array. The outputs of diagonally opposite photodiodes are connected together to form two identical output channels.

Abstract: A detector for detecting hot spots that includes an infrared sensor and a scanning component. The infrared sensor is fixedly mounted on a housing and is oriented to have a field of view of at least part of the region of interest. The scanning component is mounted in front of the infrared sensor and blocks most of the field of view of the infrared sensor and has a moving aperture that exposes the infrared sensor to a small area of the region at one time. The moving aperture provides a small instantaneous field of view and over time exposes the sensor to a much larger area.

Abstract: A sliding door sensor employs two arrays of IR emitters which are pulsed to provide an approach detection zone and a threshold detection zone. Radiation reflected from the detection zones is converted to signals which are processed in microprocessors. The sensor periodically automatically adjusts for changes in background. Both presence and motion detection is provided. The sensor also detects dark objects.

Abstract: An infrared detector subarray having an integral filter assembly is comprised of a plurality of stacked modules defining an infrared detector focal plane subarray; a filter plate sized and configured to correspond to the infrared detector subarray; and a plurality of supports disposed intermediate the filter plate and the detector subarray for attaching the filter plate to the subarray such that the filter plate is in close proximity to the detector subarray. Scattering and crossstalk are minimized by positioning the filter plate in close proximity to the detector subarray. The supports may comprise planar members having a thickness of less than approximately 0.003 inch such that they may be disposed intermediate adjacent modules.

Abstract: An array of individual infrared detectors is comprised of optimally small individual detectors, whose reduced size is enabled by immersion optics which reduce the wavelength of the radiation incident on the detectors, and by the use of individual field lenses- Fresnel lenses, for each detector.

Abstract: Infrared rays radiated from a moving object is converged into a plurality of infrared ray detectors by optical system. Detecting area is instituted by the optical system so as to put the infrared rays into a plurality of the infrared ray detectors with time difference therebetween. Signal processing unit produces a detecting signal when there is a predetermined time difference between signals produced by a plurality of the infrared ray detectors. It is possible to avoid wrong operation which is caused by popcorn noise and a differential noise having a bit of time difference caused by temperature gradient in space. Forming a curved imaginary boundary line, a plurality of detecting zones are disposed at out side and inside of the curved imaginary boundary line to detect the object invading from any direction.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system includes an array of infrared radiation-sensitive elements, each element comprises first and second spaced electrodes between which pyroelectric material is positioned, and each element is operative to produce a voltage proportional to the rate of change of infrared radiation incident thereon. A pair of oppositely poled detector elements is connected to a first signal processing channel and a second pair of oppositely poled detector elements is connected to a second signal processing channel. The system also includes coincidence means such that an alarm output in response is produced in response to concurrent application of intruder signals of opposite polarity to the two signal processing channels.

Abstract: A method and an input circuit are disclosed for interfacing infrared detector elements to signal processing circuitry. The input circuit comprises a current loop for generating a magnetic field and a sensing circuit for measuring the strength of the field. Both the current loop and the sensing circuit are fabricated proximate each other. The current loop is connectable to an infrared detector such that the magnetic field generated by the current loop is proportional to the output of the infrared detector element. The input circuit isolates the detector element from bias voltages generated by the associated input circuitry and therefor reduces 1/f noise.

Abstract: An infrared detection device, e.g. for the 8 to 14 micrometer waveband, comprises a Langmuir-Blodgett or other very thin film (10) having pyroelectric or other temperature-dependent characteristics. At least one detector element having opposite electrical conductors (21 and 22) is formed in the film (10). The film (10) which may have a support layer (15) is mostly free of contact with a mount arrangement (25) which supports the film (10) in a very low thermally-conductive manner. In accordance with the present invention, the film (10) is very thin, but very efficient absorption of the radiation (31) is obtained in the following manner: the facing surface (26) of the mount arrangement (25) is reflective for the radiation (31); the sum of the optical thicknesses of the film (10), of any support layer (15) and (d) of a gap (28) forming the multiple layer detector-element structure along the radiation path to the reflector (26) is approximately one quarter of a selected wavelength (e.g. 9.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) imaging device includes substantially identical top and bottom IR detector arrays. In separate embodiments, either a top or bottom surface of the top array is stacked onto the bottom array to confront a top surface of the bottom array and so that individual detector elements and subarrays of the top array are aligned with corresponding detector elements and subarrays of the bottom array. The image readout circuits of both the top and bottom array are connected by wire bonding to readout control circuits formed in the peripheral region of the wafer in which the bottom array is formed.

Abstract: A cooling type infrared rays detecting apparatus is disclosed which prevents a fluctuation of an infrared rays image arising from a variation of the cooling temperature. The infrared rays detecting apparatus includes a dummy element mounted adjacent an infrared rays detecting device on a device mounting portion of an inner tube. The dummy element has a similar structure to that of each of infrared rays detecting elements of the infrared rays detecting device and is formed from the same material as the latter. A temperature variation of the dummy element is detected from a variation in resistance of the dummy element, and an output of the infrared rays detecting device is compensated for in response to the thus detected temperature variation to prevent a possible fluctuation of an infrared rays image arising from a temperature variation. Consequently, an infrared rays image of a high quality can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infrared ray sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The infrared ray sensor includes a sensor substrate formed of an infrared ray transmitting material and having a first surface and a second surface which is in opposed relation to the first surface, an infrared ray reflecting film provided on the first surface of the sensor substrate, infrared ray detecting elements provided on the second surface of the sensor substrate, and an infrared ray transmitting window formed in the infrared ray reflecting film in relation to the infrared ray detecting elements. The infrared ray which enters the infrared ray transmitting window portion passes through the sensor substrate and is then made incident on the infrared ray detecting elements. Bridges are formed on the second surface of the sensor substrate. Each of the bridges is a silicon oxynitride film having a single layer configuration.

Abstract: A circuit for coupling infrared detector elements maintained in the cryogenic environment with a processing circuit maintained at a substantially higher temperature is disclosed. The circuit comprises a detector output sampling/comparing circuit electrically connectable to an associated detector element. The sampling/comparing circuit is disposable in a cryogenic environment along with the associated detector element. The circuit is constructed to receive power from a power source that is electrically and thermally isolated from the sampling/comparing circuit. The output of the sampling/comparing circuit being communicatable to a processing circuit while remaining electrically and thermally isolated therefrom.

Abstract: In a thermal-radiation detection system, the thermal radiation (3) incident on a group of pyroelectric and/or ferroelectric infrared detector elements (20) is modulated at a frequency (f). The detector elements (20) are mounted on flexible platform areas of an insulating substrate (10) which may be of an elastic material such as a silicone rubber in, for example, an apertured or recessed mount (18,19). The grooves (15,16) forming the platform areas have a sufficient depth d and width w that the distance (2d+w) is at least as large as the thermal diffusion distance at the modulation frequency (f) so as to reduce thermal cross-talk between the detector elements (20). The elasticity and vibration absorption properties of an elastic substrate (10) and the flexibility and path length increased by the presence of the grooves (15,16) can provide a low microphony mounting arrangement with acoustic decoupling between detector elements (20).

Abstract: An infrared sensor for short range detection of aircraft wherein the sensor is designed to operate with the sun in the field of view yet still be able to track its target. The sensor operates on a spinning platform, wherein the spinning platform has precessional motion. The sensor has a first detector array for detecting the presence of the sun and other background clutter. The sensor further has a second detector array sensitive to radiation in a predetermined frequency band for tracking a specific target. The sensor has an objective lens to focus the radiation on the first and second detector arrays.

Abstract: An optical imaging system includes an array of small aperture subtelescopes each with heterodyne detectors. The array detects the amplitude and phase of light waves emanating from a scene under observation before they are combined into an image. The beam combining and interfering functions are performed after detection by the use of novel electronic signal processsing. Large-aperture resolution is synthesized by electronically detecting and correcting phase errors without optical phase compensating components. Parallel processing and atmospheric turbulence compensation are achieved. The system images laser illuminated or naturally illuminated targets as well as stationary or moving targets. The heterodyne detectors can also achieve similar results when arranged in a pupil plane array located behind a single large aperture telescope.

Abstract: Method for improving particular interconnect pads for microcircuitry so that they provide more compliant interconnections between opposed pairs of contacts of the microchips in a hybrid detector array assembly. The individual tubes of prior art interconnect pads are filled with indium and are then etched away to leave indium columns of increased height, relative to the indium bumps that have heretofore been used in the contact connections of hybrid detector array assemblies. Other materials may be substituted for the indium and a number of variants of the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intruder detection system employs two infra-red sensors 5,60 within the same housing 4. Both sensors have substantially the same field of view 6 and one 5 of the sensors detects an intruder by sensing the latter's emitted IR. The other sensor 60 detects near-IR. In order to detect against the presence of IR masking material in the field of view (which might be used to mask the presence of an intruder) remote units are provided, each emitting near-IR to sensor 60. The output from the remote units may be coded to distinguish them from the ambient IR. A warning is produced if a mask (such as mask 40) blocks one of the remote units.

Abstract: A differential temperature sensor uses two different thermopiles each encased in its own can. The thermopiles are given a position and spatial orientation to best suit the measuring task. A connector of low thermal impedance thermally connects the cold junctions of the two thermopiles. The connector is adjusted, angled or pivoted to allow the proper relative orientation of the thermopiles. The thermopiles are placed close to the detected areas to keep the thermopile cold junctions and a detected reference area close in temperature. An automatic assembly process uses the present invention in conjunction with a photoelectric switch which confirms the presence of the subject being measured. An improved chiropractic measuring device also uses the differential sensor to accurately sense nerve damage near the spine.

Abstract: A horizon sensor scans an infrared detector over the earth's horizon generating first (A) and second (B) signals of finite pulse width representing radiation from the fields of view of the infrared detector as it is scanned across the earth's horizon. Signals (A-B) and (A+B)/3 are derived from the first (A) and second (B) signals. The horizon is detected when a threshold is exceeded when the absolute value (A-B) is less than the absolute value of (A+B)/3 whereby the detected horizon is essentially independent of the radiance variations of the earth's horizon. Sun and moon signals appearing in the field of view of the infrared detector are eliminated based on the smaller pulse width of such signals in comparison with the finite pulse width of the first and second signals. The method of radiance compensation can be implemented using a dual field of view for the infrared detector in a horizon crossing indicator sensor where the scanning of the detector is provided by the rotation of the satellite.

Abstract: An infrared detector element (20) comprises a flexible continuous film (10) of polymer material which has pyroelectric or other temperature-dependent characteristics and which is also piezoelectric so also generating microphony when it vibrates. In accordance with the invention the mounting arrangement (30,31,32) for the film (10) comprises mutually-spaced supports (32), e.g. tapered ridges (32) of a moulded-plastics substrate (30); the spacing (x) between neighboring supports (32) adjacent to the detector element (20) is sufficiently small and the tension (P) of the film (10) is sufficiently large that the natural frequency of vibration of the parts of the polymer film (10) between these neighboring supports (32) is higher than the frequency bandwidth of the detector, e.g. as determined by the highest operating frequency of a read-out circuit to which the detector element (20) is connected.

Abstract: A system for detecting fires uses at least two carbon dioxide sensors positioned at spaced locations in a room. Each sensor produces an electrical output signal representative of the carbon dioxide concentration in its vicinity. A computer calculates the ratio of the concentration sensed by each sensor to the concentration sensed by each of the other sensors, and any imbalance in the distribution of carbon dioxide will be reflected in these ratios. Random variations prevent the ratios from being equal, and the magnitude of the random variations is quantized by calculating the standard deviation of the ratios. The ratios are then normalized and compared to a threshold level that corresponds to a chosen false alarm rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of pits and abnormalities in various stone fruits. The apparatus transmits a first plurality of beams of light (18) across inspection zone (14) and transmits a second plurality of beams of light (22) across inspection zone (14) in a direction opposite to beams of light (18). As a stone fruit (10) passes through inspection zone (14), a first plurality of sensors (32) and a second plurality of sensors (34) detect the variations in the intensity of the transmitted beams of light. The light transmittance and reflectance characteristics of the stone fruit are analyzed to detect the presence of a pit or internal or external abnormality.

Abstract: An optical sensor for detecting targets and determining the characteristic motion of a missile approaching a target. In order to have a simple designed sensor and to provide for a simple transformation of the coordinates of the missile and of the target to be determined, the optical sensor has an optical system, which, with the help of a semitransparent mirror, forms an image of the scene lying within the field of view of the optical system onto two detectors. The first detector is a planar detector having a plurality of detector elements disposed in a matrix arrangement, onto which the scene is sharply imaged, whereas the second detector is a cross detector, which is configured outside of the focal point of the optical system. With this detector, the spatial and time derivatives of the light intensity incident on the optical system and, from it, the characteristic motions of the missile are determined.

Abstract: An infrared imaging system including a fixed magnification telescope, a two-axis variable angle scanner, a plurality of differently-sized infrared detectors positioned in the focal plane of the scanner, a selector to choose an output signal provided by one of the detectors, and a raster scan display. A single detector is associated with a particular desired field of view, with the size of the detector chosen to provide the desired resolution. To decrease the field of view encompassed by the imaging system, and thereby magnify the scene presented on the display, a smaller scan angle and a smaller detector are simultaneously selected. A gain and bandwidth normalization circuit is optionally used to normalize the electrical signals output by the various detectors. This arrangement allows reducing the field of view with a simultaneous change in the instantaneous field of view, so that resolution of a picture in the display accordingly increases.

Abstract: A radiation meter suitable for use as a personal dosemeter comprises a first photo diode having a larger effective sensitive area than a second photo diode and provided with a thin metallic shield attenuating radiation incident on the first diode. A capacitor is connected in series with the first photo diode, the first photo diode and the capacitor being connected in parallel with the second photo diode. The first diode and the capacitor provide an output which falls with incident radiation energy whereas the second photo diode provides an output which increases with radiation energy so that the combined output is substantially uniform with respect to radiation energy. Means are provided for counting pulses produced in the common output so as to obtain a measure of radiation dose monitored by the radiation detector.

Abstract: An infrared detecting apparatus which includes an infrared filter which intercepts visible light and transmits infrared rays having at least two infrared detecting elements for receiving infrared rays transmitted through the filter and converting the received infrared rays into an electric signal and an electronic circuit which amplifies the difference signal supplied from the infrared detecting elements so that the relative positional relationship between the infrared detecting elements and the infrared filter which allows for the solid angle extending from an arbitrary point on the infrared filter to the peripheral edge of the infrared detecting element's receiving surface to be not greater or less than a specific range.

Abstract: A line scanning apparatus includes a cylindrical housing which holds a spin mirror, a detector array, a multiplexer assembly, an analog-to-digital converter, a shaft encoder, digital processing apparatus and memory storage devices. Inertial navigation system (INS) reference information, including velocity-to-height ratio data is provided. The line scanning apparatus further includes optics for focusing radiation which is reflected into the optics by the spin mirror which is inclined at about a 45.degree. angle to the optical axis. The detector array comprises a plurality of radiation detector cells which provide a plurality of synchronously sampled signals representative of the amount of radiation impinging on the detector array at any given time. The spin mirror is attached to a spin mirror motor which is further attached to the shaft encoder.

Abstract: A horizon sensor for spacecraft utilizes two or three telescopes, each imaging upon a linear array of pyroelectric elements. The telescopes are pointed at the earth's horizon and the transition or midpoint angle between earth and space is determined in processing the output signals from each pyroelectric array. Low cost and versatility are provided with great accuracy due to, for example, use of a 32 element pyroelectric array. Such pyroelectric material is also tolerant of temperature changes and inertial forces.

Abstract: A passive infrared intrusion detector provides improved intruder detection while using a single signal evaluation channel. Pyroelectric sensor element configurations include a diamond pattern with differentially opposed pairs of elements of opposite polarization connected in series for increased coverage and sensitivity.

Abstract: In apparatus for sizing and bandsaw cutting of meat, the product is conveyed in a rotary path over a table (18) equipped with a radial line of inspection devices (22), the output signals of which are processed to detect the area of the product moving over the table, and the signal output from the inspection devices are weighed to compensate for the greater path length travelled by radially outer regions of the product.

Abstract: A radiation filter structure having combined wavelength and polarization sensitive characteristics and which is constructed on a single substrate. A plurality of different wavelength (.lambda.1 to .lambda.n) interference filter coatings are applied to different areas of the filter substrate as a plurality of parallel adjacent stripes, such that different wavelengths .lambda.1 to .lambda.n are passed by the different stripe areas. Moreover, a plurality of different polarization filters of both parallel polarization or perpendicular polarization, are also applied as a plurality of parallel adjacent stripes to the different areas of the filter substrate. The arragement includes first and second interference filter stripes for each wavelength .lambda.1 to .lambda.n, and a parallel polarization filter for each first stripe for each wavelength .lambda.1 to .lambda.n, and a perpendicular polarization filter for each second stripe for each wavelength .lambda.1 to .lambda.

Abstract: A radiation detection arrangement is described using a layer of pyroelectric material such as polyvinylidene fluoride positioned between two electrodes. One electrode has a radiation-reflecting front surface and is coated with material having selected radiation absorbing characteristics. This material absorbs radiation lying within a predetermined wavelength band and this therefore heats the material and produces an electrical output. Radiation lying outside the absorption band of material is unabsorbed and is reflected by the reflecting surface. No heating takes place and no corresponding electrical output is produced. A radiation-selective detector is therefore produced without the need for optical filters.

Abstract: A recessed element photosensitive detector array with optical isolation having an increased sensitivity to incident photons and having reduced crosstalk due to low angle of incidence photons is disclosed. The array comprises a substrate, a plurality of parallel elongate cavities formed within the substrate, photosensitive detector elements formed within the cavities, and an optical insulating layer adjacent each of said cavities to optically isolate the cavities from each other. The elongate cavities provide an increased detector element surface area which increases the sensitivity of the recesses element photosensitive detector array to incident photons. The increased sensitivity of the array is due to an increase in the probability of capturing incident photons. The optical isolation provided by the optical insulating layer substantially reduces crosstalk among adjacent detector elements for low angle of incidence photons.

Abstract: In a pyroelectric infrared detector, there is provided a member having a slit positioned in front of an array of pyroelectric elements, which interrupts an infrared image which is incident on the pyroelectric element array, and respective pyroelectric elements forming a row of the pyroelectric element array are wired so that they are connected in series electrically and adjacent pyroelectric element generate counter-electromotive forces. An infrared image irradiated on respective pyroelectric elements is scanned successively by the movement of the slit member along a row of the pyroelectric element array, thus obtaining information relating to an infrared intensity distribution from a heat source which emits IR rays which are being irradiated onto respective pyroelectric elements, from time series signals produced at both ends of the pyroelectric element array.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments include a monolithic uncooled infrared detector array of bolometers fabricated over a silicon substrate (142); the bolometers include a stack (144) of oxide (146) TiN (148), a-Si:H (150), TiN (152), oxide (154) with the TiN forming the infrared absorbers and resistor contacts and the a-Si:H the resistor with a high temperature coefficient of resistivity. The resistor is suspended over the silicon substrate (142) by metal interconnects (154 and 156) and related processing circuitry is formed in the silicon substrate (142) beneath the resistor.

Abstract: Apparatus in a thermal radiation detection device including optics having a focal plane comprising a cold mounting surface, a detector array, a standoff and apparatus for protecting the detectors from intense thermal radiation. The detector array includes a plurality of radiation sensitive detectors mounted on a carrier in thermal contact with the cold mounting surface. The standoff defines a cold platform proximate to the detector array and mounted to the cold mounting surface. A substrate includes a film of vanadium trioxide on a first surface, wherein the substrate is mounted to the standoff at the first surface and wherein the substrate is structured and arranged to interpose the vanadium trioxide film between the detector array and a radiation source and is located proximate the focal plane.

Abstract: A focal plane array having an interconnect bump that has high thermal resistivity, and which may be used to interconnect the detector and readout of the array. The detector and readout each have separate heat sinks with separate temperature controls. The readout may thus be operated at a higher temperature than the detector. A high thermal resistance interconnect bump is employed to limit heat leakage from the readout to the detector to an acceptable level, and to enable a thermal gradient to be maintained simultaneously with a net savings in refrigerator power. The heat sink for the detector is made in such a way as to not obscure the active area of the detector, that is, it is annular in shape so as to surround the active area of the detector. The interconnect bump comprises a thermally insulating pedestal comprising a material such as polyimide, for example, with an over-the-edge metallization employed as an electrical contact.

Abstract: In a multi-element infrared detector a light guide is arranged in front of each detector element, the dimensions of this light guide causing attenuation of radar radiation. Each light guide is formed by a light guiding passage having reflecting and electrically conductive inner walls. The light guiding passages are formed in a passage plate. The surface of the passages are electrically conductive and connected to signal ground. A light stop plate is arranged in front of the passage plate. This light stop plate has light stop apertures in alignment with the light guiding passages. The apertures have non-reflecting inner surfaces. The light stop plate reduces stray radiation.