Abstract: A tire surface anomaly detection system and method are disclosed. The system and method are generally based on the principle that a tire surface anomaly will have a different heat transfer rate than that of the uniform mass surrounding the tire surface anomaly. Embodiments of the present disclosure apply thermal energy to the surface of a tire and monitor the infrared energy at the surface of the tire to generate one or more infrared images of the surface of the tire. The infrared images are analyzed by an image processing system to determine and locate thermal gradients on the surface of the tire. The presence of a thermal gradient in the infrared images generally indicates the presence of an anomaly in the surface of the tire. In this manner, the present disclosure provides an objective technique for identifying, locating, and classifying tire surface anomalies.

Abstract: A terahertz wave detecting device includes a wavelength filter and a detection part. The wavelength filter is configured to convert terahertz waves to heat. The detection part is configured to detect the heat converted by the wavelength filter. The wavelength filter includes a wavelength selection layer and a terahertz wave absorption layer. The wavelength selection layer is configured to transmit terahertz waves of a prescribed wavelength among the terahertz waves. The terahertz wave absorption layer is provided in contact with the wavelength selection layer and the detection part, and contains a material for absorbing the terahertz waves of the prescribed wavelength.

Abstract: An occupancy sensing electronic thermostat is described that includes a thermostat body having a curved exterior front surface, a dot matrix display mounted within the body viewable by a user in front of the front surface, a passive infrared sensor for measuring infrared energy and a shaped Fresnel lens having a smooth outer surface that extends across only a portion of the exterior front surface of the thermostat body. The Fresnel lens is shaped and curved so as to conform to and form a part of the curved exterior front surface of the thermostat body. A second downwardly directed passive infrared sensor can also be provided to aid in the detection of an approaching user who intends to interact with the thermostat.

Abstract: A THz radiation detector comprising a vertical antenna separated from a suspended platform by an isolating thermal air gap for concentrating THz radiation energy into a smaller suspended MEMS platform upon which a thermal sensor element is located. THz photon energy is converted into electrical energy via a thermally isolated air gap between plates of a coupling capacitor separated by a plurality of nano-tip spacers that determine the gap distance. The capacitor couples energy from the antenna to the thermal sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bolometer (10) comprising a substrate (12), a first membrane (16) formed by removing a first sacrificial layer (14) on the substrate (12), the first membrane (16) comprising a measuring element (18) for measuring an amount of incident electromagnetic radiation (R), a second membrane (22) formed by removing a second sacrificial layer (20) on the first membrane (16), the second membrane (22) enclosing the first membrane (16), a first cavity (24) formed between the substrate (12) and the first membrane (16), and a second cavity (26) formed between the first membrane (16) and the second membrane (22). The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a bolometer, as well as a thermographic image sensor and medical device.

Abstract: A tracking sensor for a directed infra-red countermeasure (DIRCM) system, the sensor including a first set of image elements in a inner region of the sensor and each having or operable to monitor respective first fields of view; and a second set of image elements in an outer region of the sensor and each having or operable to monitor respective second fields of view. The first fields of view are smaller than the second fields of view or the image elements of the first set provide higher resolution than the image elements of the second set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a human body sensing apparatus with improved accuracy, in which whether a moving direction of a human body is a ‘determinate entry or exit’ or an ‘indeterminate entry or exit’ is determined by analyzing a sensing signal outputted from each of sensor units, and room occupancy states are classified into a ‘ZERO’ state, a ‘CHECK’ state, a ‘WAIT’ state, an ‘AOL’ state and an ‘IOL’ state depending on a determined result. Even a variety of unexpected behaviors that a human can perform in a sensing area of the sensor units can be detected, and thus correctness and correction rate are superior in calculating the number of people staying in a room.

Abstract: A wide field of view monocentric lens system for an infrared aerial reconnaissance camera includes front and rear lens shell elements and a core lens element, with the number of front and rear shell lens elements depending on the IR band of interest (LWIR, MWIR or SWIR). Infrared radiation entering the monocentric lens passes sequentially through the front shell lens element(s), the core lens element, and the rear shell lens element(s) and is focused onto a curved focal surface. The front shell lens element(s) and the rear shell lens element(s) are made of material having a relatively higher refractive index or a relatively higher optical dispersion, or both, in the band of interest, as compared to the core lens element.

Abstract: A sensor part for an infrared sensor, including an IR-sensitive detector (1), at least one reference source (2) emitting IR radiation, and an IR-sensitive reference detector (3) which, in the direction of the incident IR radiation, is at a distance from the detector (1), wherein the at least one reference source (2) is arranged at the side of the reference detector (3), and including a support (5), on the first side (6) of which the detector (1), the at least one reference source (2) and the reference detector (3) are arranged. The support (5) includes a blank made of a flexible material bent in some sections, in particular a blank made of a flexible printed circuit board bent in some sections. The invention achieves the aim of specifying a three-dimensional sensor part for an IR sensor that can be produced by a simple method. The invention further relates to a method for producing a sensor part and to an IR sensor.

Abstract: For integration into a CMOS/BICMOS process, a high-frequency waveguide structure, a diode-bridge structure and an imaging/spectroscopy system and a method for manufacturing a high-frequency waveguide structure are provided, wherein a height of each of a first and a second conducting lines (11, 12) is higher than a width of each of the first and the second conducting lines (11, 12). The first and second conducting lines (11, 12) form a slotline waveguide, wherein the third conducting line (13) together with the first and the second conducting lines (11, 12) form a (co-)planar waveguide.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasensitive long-wave imaging cameras is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a filter configured to allow high frequencies of interest to pass through the filter. The apparatus also includes an antenna that is configured to receive the high frequencies of interest. The apparatus further includes a plurality of bolometers that are configured to measure data regarding the high frequencies of interest.

Abstract: A night vision goggle (NVG) attachment device retrofit to an existing monocular or binocular type NVG system to provide additional environmental information to the user of the NVG device. The attachable device includes a ring connector having one or more external display projectors positioned on the objective side of the NVG optical system. A sensor electronics module is attached to the ring connector and houses a number of environmental sensors, including IR transmitters and receivers for range finding information, radiation detectors, and motion/heat detectors. The sensors within the electronics module provide signal information through a connector to the existing NVG electronics. The device projects informational images into the display field of view for the user. The informational displays may take the form of one or more LED indicators or LED digital numerical displays. The user may preferably activate or de-activate one or more of the environmental sensors.

Abstract: A system and method of non-contact measurement of the dopant content of semiconductor material by reflecting infrared (IR) radiation off of the material and splitting the radiation into two beams, passing each beam through pass band filters of differing wavelength ranges, comparing the level of energy passed through each filter and calculating the dopant content by referencing a correlation curve made up of known wafer dopant content for that system.

Abstract: A system and method are used to search for a thermal target from a moving aerial platform. The system includes a computer corrected to a wide field-of-view thermal imager, a narrow field-of-view thermal imager, a global navigation satellite system receiver, and an inertial navigation system. The wide field-of-view thermal imager acouires multiple images as the wide field-of-view thermal imager moves relative to a search area. Each point of each imaoe is correlated to a stationary position within the search area. The computer is configured to independently time-average the thermal signal amplitude emanating from each stationary sector in the search area imaged bv the wide field-of-view thermal imager. and direct the narrow field-of-view thermal imager to point to the stationary position of the sector of interest and display a thermal imaoe associated with the sector of interest to a user.

Abstract: An electrical calibrated radiometer includes a base, a suspension unit extending from the base, and a first heat measuring unit and a second heat measuring unit formed in the base. By applying a known voltage to the first heat measuring unit, the first heat measuring unit could serve as a thermal background for the second heat measuring unit, and an absolute temperature of a heat source could be determined with high precision from output voltages of the second heat measuring unit.

Abstract: A light sensing panel includes sensors arranged in rows and columns, where the sensors receive a first bias voltage and a second bias voltage and output light sensing signals based on light incident thereto; first and second bias lines which transfers the first and second bias voltages, respectively, to the sensors, where each of the first and second bias lines includes a main line and sub lines diverged from the main line and arranged in a second direction corresponding to the columns;, where the sub lines of the first and second bias lines are alternately arranged, and where when two adjacent sub lines are shorted, the shorted sub line of the first bias line is separated from the main line of the first bias line.

Abstract: A distributed optical fiber sensor based on Raman and Brillouin scattering is provided. The distributed optical fiber sensor includes a semiconductor FP cavity pulsed wideband optical fiber laser (11), a semiconductor external-cavity continuous narrowband optical fiber laser (12), a wave separator (13), an electro-optic modulator (14), an isolator (15), an Er-doped optical fiber amplifier (16), a bidirectional coupler (17), an integrated wavelength division multiplexer (19), a first photoelectric receiving and amplifying module (20), a second photoelectric receiving and amplifying module (21), a direct detection system (22), a narrowband optical fiber transmission grating (23), a circulator (24) and a coherence detection module (25). The temperature and the strain can be measured simultaneously, and the signal-to-noise ratio of the system is enhanced.

Abstract: An apparatus measuring optical characteristics including position detection is disclosed. A processor is coupled to a display. A first optical sensor makes a first measurement and a second optical sensor makes a second measurement. A source of illumination provides illumination in the IR range it and the first optical sensor determine a minimal distance between the apparatus and an external object such that illumination emitted by the source is not received by the first optical sensor when the apparatus is less than the minimal distance from the external object. A position of the apparatus with respect to an object and an optical property of light received by the apparatus are determined. A transparent member having a thickness less than the minimal distance may be provided through which the source provides illumination and receives illumination external to the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting an engineering material or food product comprising: a controller arranged to generate a time-variant drive signal; a source of Near Infra-, Red (NIR) radiation, the source being operable by the controller to emit a repetitive time-varying beam thereby to illuminate an article; and a detector, the detector being configured to detect that portion of the source beam that has been transmitted through at least a portion of the article, and to generate an electrical signal that has a time variant modulation corresponding to the modulation of said portion of the source NIR beam, the controller being further configured to generate an output corresponding to a variation in the amplitude of the received NIR source beam.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting an object transiting an interrogation zone of an electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) system and determining whether the object is a person entering or exiting the facility in order to increment a corresponding counter. A first zone detector detects motion in a first zone. The first zone detector can be a first passive infrared (“PIR”) detector. A second zone detector detects motion in a second zone different from the first zone. The second zone detector can be a second PIR detector. A processor is in communication with the first and second zone detectors in which the processor receives data from the first and second zone detectors to determine whether to increment a count value based at least in part on the received data.

Abstract: Flame detectors and methods of detecting flames are described herein. One device includes an optical element configured to process mid wave infra-red light and long wave infra-red light emitted from an area, and a bolometer configured to detect a flame in the area based on the mid wave infra-red light and long wave infra-red light processed by the optical element.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pixel, a pixel array, and an image sensor including the pixel array. The pixel includes a first photo-sensing unit to detect a visible light and an IR, and a second photo-sensing unit provided at one side of the first photo-sensing unit to detect a light in which the IR is blocked.

Abstract: An electronic device and method detects a predefined gesture. The electronic device includes a sensing assembly including at least one photoreceiver and a plurality of phototransmitters, where each phototransmitter is positioned to emit infrared light away from the electronic device about a corresponding central transmission axis, and where each central transmission axis is oriented in a different direction with respect to the others. Further, the emission of infrared light by each of the phototransmitters is controlled during each of a plurality of sequential time periods to facilitate detecting the gesture.

Abstract: There is provided a lighting device for capturing a facial image of a subject by an image capturing unit in plural different near-infrared regions of light including a housing in which a substantially spherical space is formed by a spherical surface, the housing accommodating an entire face part of the subject; at least two light sources arranged at positions bilaterally symmetrical with the subject on the spherical surface to emit the light to light the substantially spherical space; an image capturing unit capturing an image of the entire face part; a first filter installed in front of the light source to block ultraviolet rays and infrared rays from the emitted light; a second filter installed in front of the lens to adjust an amount of the light, and a third filter installed in front of the lens to perform band-pass filtering corresponding to the different near-infrared regions.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide scene-based non-uniformity correction for infrared images, in accordance with one or more embodiments. For example in one embodiment, a method of processing infrared images of a scene captured by an infrared image sensor comprising a plurality of sensor elements includes receiving a first frame comprising a first plurality of pixel data of a first infrared image; receiving a second frame comprising a second plurality of pixel data of a second infrared image; determining frame-to-frame motion between the first frame and the second frame, wherein the frame-to-frame motion identifies portions of the first and second pixel data corresponding to identical scene coordinates captured by different sensor elements for the first and second frames; determining irradiance differences between the first and second portions of pixel data; and determining pixel offset information for scene based non-uniformity correction terms based on the irradiance differences and the frame-to-frame motion.

Abstract: A direction interpreting device comprises a sensor and a plate. The sensor includes a positive sensor unit for generating a positive sensor signal and a negative sensor unit for generating a negative sensor signal. The plate is disposed between the positive sensor unit and the negative sensor unit or disposed outside of the sensor. The plate extends beyond the sensor to block the positive sensor signal generated by the positive sensor unit and the negative sensor signal generated by the negative sensor unit. The sensor can interpret a moving direction of an object via a time difference between a responsive waveform of the positive sensor unit and a responsive waveform of the negative sensor unit.

Abstract: A microbolometer is disclosed, including a bottom multilayered dielectric, having a first silicon oxynitride layer and a second silicon oxynitride layer disposed above the first silicon oxynitride layer, the first and second silicon oxynitride layers having different refractive indices. The microbolometer further includes a detector layer disposed above the bottom multilayered dielectric, the detector layer comprised of a temperature sensitive resistive material, and a top dielectric disposed above the detector layer.

Abstract: A method of adjusting electromagnetic radiation transmitted by an optical element is described. The method includes sensing the electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the optical element to produce sensed electromagnetic radiation information, and adjusting the sensed electromagnetic radiation information to produce adjusted electromagnetic radiation information based on the a spectral transmission of the optical element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for slaving the activation of a set of infrared emitters of a sensor of venous networks to the presence of a living body between this set and an image acquisition means of the sensor. The method is characterized in that each infrared emitter (E) is activated if the presence of a part of the living body (CV) is detected by at least one presence detector (DP) which is associated therewith and each infrared emitter (E) is deactivated as long as the presence of a part of the living body (CV) is not detected.

Abstract: A sensor device is proposed for monitoring a mobile moving element, guided in a guide, with respect to undesired collisions of the moving element with an object which is located in a monitoring range, having at least two sensors for sensing the object, wherein the sensors comprise a transmitter and a receiver for emitting and receiving electromagnetic rays, wherein the sensors are arranged one next to the other in such a way that they can be mounted parallel to the guide, and the sensors are also oriented in such a way that the rays emitted by them penetrate the monitoring range. In order to enable improved obstacle recognition, the sensors are embodied as distance sensors for determining the distance from the object. In addition, a safety device, a door and a method for monitoring the movement are proposed.

Abstract: A dual function injection type array readout device includes at least two sensor groups and a dual function injection type array readout circuit. Each sensor group has two sensors of different functions, and each sensor generates a sense current according to a corresponding sensed target. The dual function injection type array readout circuit includes at least two dual function readout modules, each having two readout units, each electrically coupled to a respective sensor of a corresponding sensor group. Each readout unit includes a current-to-voltage converter having an integration capacitor, and a sample-and-hold device electrically coupled to the current-to-voltage converter. A switch unit is electrically coupled to the integration capacitors of the readout units.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) radiation sensor device (27) includes an integrated circuit radiation sensor chip (1A) including first (7) and second (8) temperature-sensitive elements connected within a dielectric stack (3) of the chip, the first temperature-sensitive element (7) being more thermally insulated from a substrate (2) than the second temperature-sensitive element (8). Bonding pads (28A) on the chip (1) are coupled to the first and second temperature-sensitive elements. Bump conductors (28) are bonded to the bonding pads (28A), respectively, for physically and electrically connecting the radiation sensor chip (1) to corresponding mounting conductors (23A). A diffractive optical element (21,22,23,31,32 or 34) is integrated with a back surface (25) of the radiation sensor chip (1) to direct IR radiation toward the first temperature-sensitive element (7).

Abstract: An infrared sensing assembly for allowing detection of a location of an external object, as well as a mobile device employing such an assembly and related methods of operation, among other things, are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensing assembly includes a pyramid-type housing structure having a central surface and multiple outer surfaces each of which extends in an inclined manner away from the central surface. The sensing assembly further includes multiple phototransmitters each positioned proximate to a respective one of the outer surfaces, and a photoreceiver positioned proximate to the central surface, with each respective photoelectric device being oriented so as to correspond to its respective surface. The sensing assembly is operated so that light is emitted from the phototransmitters, reflected by the object, and received by the photoreceiver. By processing signals from the photoreceiver that are indicative of the received light, the external object's location is determined.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor, comprises: a photoelectric conversion layer on which photoelectric conversion elements are arranged; and an wiring layer including at least one layer of a metal film, and an interlayer insulating film which fills a surrounding portion of the metal film, wherein the wiring layer is arranged at a position deeper than the photoelectric conversion layer on a side opposite to a light incidence side with respect to the photoelectric conversion layer, and at least a first metal film arranged at a position closest to the photoelectric conversion layer of the metal film of the wiring layer is arranged on a region which is not irradiated with light rays in a predetermined wavelength range, which light has passed through the photoelectric conversion layer.

Abstract: A microelectronic device for electromagnetic radiation measurement including a bolometer and an integrator including an integration capacitor, to output, during an integration time, a first signal with variable amplitude and frequency according to the current emitted by the detector, in a form of a series of pulses, and a controller controlling the first signal, to deliver a second signal. The controller includes: a counting device to count each pulse of the first signal detected during an integration time and to indicate an end of counting when a predetermined number N of pulses is reached, and when the end-of-integration time is reached and a predetermined number N of pulses has been counted or deducted by the counter, to emit a second amplitude signal, depending on or equal to the amplitude of the first signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pixel, a pixel array, and an image sensor including the pixel array. The pixel includes a first photo-sensing unit to detect a visible light and an IR, and a second photo-sensing unit provided at one side of the first photo-sensing unit to detect a light in which the IR is blocked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a human body sensing apparatus with improved accuracy, in which whether a moving direction of a human body is a ‘determinate entry or exit’ or an ‘indeterminate entry or exit’ is determined by analyzing a sensing signal outputted from each of sensor units, and room occupancy states are classified into a ‘ZERO’ state, a ‘CHECK’ state, a ‘WAIT’ state, an ‘AOL’ state and an ‘IOL’ state depending on a determined result. Even a variety of unexpected behaviors that a human can perform in a sensing area of the sensor units can be detected, and thus correctness and correction rate are superior in calculating the number of people staying in a room.

Abstract: An apparatus for multi-spectral imaging includes a microbolometer array comprising a two-dimensional array of microbolometer detectors that are configured to respond to energy having a first range of wavelengths comprising a first plurality of spectral bands. The apparatus also includes a wideband window configured to allow energy having a second range of wavelengths to reach the microbolometer array. The second range of wavelengths comprises a second plurality of spectral bands. The apparatus additionally includes optics configured to focus the energy from a scene towards the microbolometer array. The apparatus further includes a processor configured to generate an output based on a response of the microbolometer array to energy having a third range of wavelengths comprising a third plurality of spectral bands. There is substantial overlap between the first, second, and third range of wavelengths and the first, second, and third plurality of spectral bands.

Abstract: In the reference element employed in the thermal-type infrared solid-state image sensing device according to the present invention, a slit used for construction of a light receiving element is opened in insulating films between which a thermoelectric conversion element is tucked to such an extent that the slit pierces into the sacrifice layer; a film made of electrically conductive material covering the light receiving section and the slit is provided and a protective film is provided thereon, and the film made of electrically conductive material and the protective film enter the interior of the slit along a side wall of the slit, whereby a void is left in the interior of the slit. As a result, residual stresses of the insulating films are kept equal in the light receiving element and the reference element, and thereby, the light blocking effect and the heat transfer effect are improved.

Abstract: A method for detecting a gesture and controlling an electronic device includes providing a sensing assembly including at least one photoreceiver and a plurality of phototransmitters, wherein each phototransmitter emits infrared light; controlling the emisson of infrared light by each of the phototransmitters during each of a plurality of time periods during movement of an external object in a geometric shape relative to the electronic device. For each of the plurality of phototransmitters and for each of the plurality of time periods, a corresponding measured signal is generated which is indicative of a respective amount of infrared light which originated from that phototransmitter during that time period and was reflected by the external object prior to being received by the photoreceiver. The measured signals are evaluated to identify the geometric shape; and the electronic device is controlled in response to the identification of the geometric shape.

Abstract: A terahertz scanning reflectometer is described herein. A high sensitivity terahertz scanning reflectometer is used to measure dynamic surface deformation and delamination characteristics in real-time. A number of crucial parameters can be extracted from the reflectance measurements such as dynamic deformation, propagation velocity, and final relaxation position. A terahertz reflectometer and spectrometer are used to determine the permeation kinetics and concentration profile of active ingredients in stratum corneum.

Abstract: A large format array is described having a series of smaller arrays daisy chained together to form the larger array. The smaller arrays are mounted on a base plate that may be of a non planar configuration. The daisy chaining together of the smaller arrays enables a smaller number of connections to be made to the external interface via connections.

Abstract: A multilayer electronic imaging module and sensor system incorporating a micro-lens layer for imaging and collimating a received image from a field of regard, a photocathode layer for detecting photons from the micro-lens layer and generating an electron output, a micro-channel plate layer for receiving the output electrons emitted from the photocathode in response to the photon input and amplifying same and stacked readout circuitry for processing the electron output of the micro-channel plate. The sensor system of the invention may he provided in the form of a Cassegrain telescope assembly and includes electromagnetic imaging and scanning means and beam-splitting means for directed predetermined ranges of the received image to one or more photo-detector elements which may be in the form of the micro-channel imaging module of the invention.

Abstract: A remote sensing system includes a first light source, a second light source, two image capturing devices and a processing unit. The first light source is configured for emitting infrared light of a first central wavelength. The second light source is configured for emitting infrared light of a second central wavelength. The two image capturing devices is configured for capturing images of the first and second light sources. The image capturing devices each includes an infrared sensitive image sensor and an infrared pass filter having two passbands for respectively allowing the infrared light of the first and second central wavelengths to pass therethrough. The processing unit is configured for analyzing the images captured by the image capturing devices thereby determining positions of the light sources relative to the image capturing devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a light device that can emit light and sense light are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lighting device includes a light guide having a planar first surface, the light guide configured such that at least some ambient light enters the light guide through the first surface and propagates therein, and at least one light detector disposed along an edge of the light guide, the at least one detector optically coupled to the light guide to receive light propagating therein. The light detector can be configured to produce a control signal. In some embodiments, the lighting device also includes at least one light turning feature disposed on the first surface, the at least one light turning feature configured to direct light incident into the light guide through the first surface.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a monitoring system having a first detector and a controller. The first detector detects electromagnetic radiation from a first field of view of the first detector and providing a signal indicative of characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation. The controller includes a processor coupled to the first detector and a memory device including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to processes the signal from the first detector, translate the signal into an array of data, and evaluate the data in the array to determine characteristics of a patient positioned in the first field of view.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system and an associated device for detecting a sample (4). The imaging system comprises a matrix (24) of photosensors (26), a first lamina (28) disposed opposite the matrix (24) of photosensors defining a face (28A) for supporting the sample, and a set (30) of optical elements, disposed between the matrix (24) of photosensors and the first lamina (28). Each microlens (34) is disposed above a photosensor (26) of the matrix (24) of photosensors. The set (30) of optical elements comprises a matrix (32) of microlenses (34). The set (30) of optical elements comprises an optical medium (36) disposed between the matrix (32) of microlenses and the first lamina (28), the refractive index of the optical medium (36) being substantially between 1 and the refractive index of the microlenses (34).

Abstract: An infrared sensor module includes a first infrared sensor that includes a first light emitting unit configured to emit infrared light to an object and a first light receiving unit configured to detect an amount of infrared light reflected from the object, a second infrared sensor that includes a second light emitting unit configured to emit infrared light to the object and a second light receiving unit configured to detect an amount of the infrared light reflected from the object, and a controller to measure reflectivity of the object using a peak output voltage of the first light receiving unit, and to measure a distance to the object using not only the measured object reflectivity but also an output voltage of the second light receiving unit. As a result, the distance from the infrared sensor to the object can be correctly measured irrespective of the reflectivity of the object.

Abstract: A bolometric array detector for detecting electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined range of infrared wavelengths includes a substrate; an array of bolometric micro-plates for detecting the radiation suspended above the substrate by support arms; and metallic reflectors formed on the substrate underneath the micro-plates to reflect that portion of the radiation which has passed through said micro-plates without being absorbed by the latter. For each micro-plate, a corresponding reflector includes a first part located underneath the micro-plate which extends as a second part not positioned underneath the micro-plate. At least the second part has surface texturing in a repeating pattern for coupling a portion of incident radiation on the second part to a guided wave that propagates towards the first part of the reflector positioned underneath micro-plate.

Abstract: A device for detecting electromagnetic radiation that comprises an active bolometer provided with a first element sensitive to said electromagnetic radiation and a reference bolometer identical to the active bolometer, provided with a second element sensitive to said electromagnetic radiation. The active bolometer and reference bolometer are arranged close to one another on the same substrate. A cover covers at least the part of the second sensitive element exposed to the electromagnetic radiation and arranges an empty space between said second sensitive element and the cover. The inner wall of the cover is constituted by an absorbent layer made from a material absorbing at least the thermal radiations emitted by the second sensitive element. A reflecting shield forms at least a part of the outer wall exposed to said electromagnetic radiation.