Abstract: This detector has a resistive element (4) able to undergo heating which is provided with electrical biasing means (6, 8) for amplifying or increasing the heating, a thermometer (12) thermally coupled to the element and converting a temperature variation undergone by the thermometer into an electric signal, and a device (18) for reading the electric signal. The invented detector can be applied to measure and detect infrared radiation. The detector can also be applied to measure and detect radiation of different wavelengths.

Abstract: A portable, infrared, multiple gas analyzer for measuring the concentration of a plurality of infrared absorbent gases with a simple optical arrangement for transmitting an infrared beam along an optical path along with gas mixtures to be analyzed. Light transmitting tubes arranged in a U-like configuration transmit infrared energy and the gases applied thereto over a small path to an infrared detector from an infrared source and provide electrical analog output signals representative of the detected gases. The detector output signals are processed by D.C. processing circuits including an analog to digital converter and microprocessing circuits for providing digital, binary coded, output signals representative of the detected gas concentration of the infrared absorbent gases. The analyzer can be readily calibrated by applying a non-infrared absorbent gas to the gas analyzer to provide a maximum output signal level with the infrared beam on and the background level or dark level signal with the beam off.

Abstract: Presented is a sensor system for the detection of thermal radiation, with a substrate (15) and several sensor elements (10) on the substrate (15), in which case at least one self-test device (53) is provided in order to generate heat which can be used for the heating of one or more sensor elements (10). The sensor elements (10) can be heated according to a typical time pattern during the self-testing process. Also presented is an advantageous process for the manufacture of the sensor system as well as an advantageous configuration of the total system, including signal processing.

Abstract: An optical sensor for monitoring a utility meter having a sweep hand indicator that moves over a meter surface of the utility meter. The optical sensor has a single infrared light emitter and two photo diodes detectors. The infrared light emitter is positioned at an angle with respect the meter surface and the sweep hand indicator of the utility meter so that the sweep hand indicator is illuminated from an angle to provide a shadow of the sweep hand indicator. The photo detectors detect changes in the intensity of light reflected on the sweep hand indicator and the background surface as well as the shadow of the sweep hand indicator. The two photo diode detectors are electrically coupled in series but in opposite directions relative to an output node, so as to cancel each other at the output node in normal operation. The passing of the sweep hand indicator changes the signal produced of each of the photo diode detectors at the output node, independently but in opposite directions.

Abstract: A medical installation, having an apparatus for acquiring the position of at least one object located in a room, also has a light transmitter for emitting a light fan and a camera for acquiring at least one object. The signals of the camera are supplied to an evaluation unit that generates 3D data on the basis of these signals corresponding to the at least one object that are utilized for avoiding collisions of the object.

Abstract: A method for measuring the temperature of a scene using a detector having at least one reference pixel, with an integratable sampling circuit associated with each pixel. Initially, an ambient reference temperature is observed with the reference pixel(s) to provide a parameter, generally voltage, indicative of that temperature to provide a constant voltage output indicating that temperature by varying the sampling circuit integration time. Each non-reference pixel is exposed to different scene and ambient temperatures and the integration time for each set of data for each pixel is recorded. For each pixel, an equation is provided relating integration time to pixel voltage when the ambient temperature and the scene temperature are the same to correct for offsets and an equation is provided relating integration time and offset corrected pixel value to the difference between the ambient temperature and the scene temperature when the ambient temperature and scene temperature differ for correction of responsivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to detection performed over millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths, especially to imaging solutions functioning over a submillimeter-wavelength range. The system of the invention uses detectors, comprising antenna coupled bolometers together with wavelength selective optics. The detector matrix is preferably curved for reducing the number of imaging errors. In order to provide a curved detector matrix, the detector matrix is constituted by flat submatrices, each being provided with one or more integrated antenna coupled bolometers. The detectable frequency range is preferably limited in two stages, first by means of wavelength selective optics and secondly by means of the operating band of the antenna of an antenna coupled bolometer. In order to focus the incoming radiation on bolometers, the bolometer substrate is fitted or the surface or interior of the bolometer substrate is provided with a bolometer lens or a corresponding optical element in alignment with each bolometer.

Abstract: A sensor element includes a light detecting section (2), a wiring section and a microlens section (7, 8). The light detecting section (2) is formed to be spaced from a substrate (1) to detect an incident light. The wiring section is composed of leg sections (3, 4) and outputting sections (11, 12) formed to be spaced from the substrate in a peripheral portion of the light detecting section. The wiring section connects the detecting result of the light detecting section to patterns on the substrate. The microlens section is formed to be spaced from the light detecting section to collect and output the incident light to the light detecting section. An area of the light detecting section is equal to or smaller than ¼ of an area of the sensor element. The sensor element may further include a reflecting film formed under the light detecting section to reflect the incident light which passes through the light detecting section.

Abstract: A parking aid for a motor vehicle, which measures the distance between an object and the motor vehicle in a contactless manner and has a plurality of sensors which are arranged on the motor vehicle, each sensor emitting a signal and receiving the signal reflected from an object located in the direction of the beam, and an evaluation device connected to the sensors determining the distance between the object and the motor vehicle from the signals received. The outlay for electrically synchronizing the sensors is reduced and which nevertheless allows reliable detection of the actual object for accurate measurement of the distance, has three sensors which are arranged directly next to one another to provide approximate coverage of the same detection area, whereby the main beam of each sensor having approximately the same beam angle.

Abstract: A device for detecting thermal radiation having a detector and a reflector type concentrator. The detector is arranged to have one or more portions exposed to thermal radiation and one or more portions protected from thermal radiation, wherein the detector delivers detection signals on the basis of a temperature difference between the exposed portions and the protected portions. The detector supports pairs of planar thermocouple elements having a cold junction in contact with the protected portion of the detector and a hot junction in thermal contact with the exposed portion of the detector. The reflector type concentrator concentrates thermal radiation coming from a three-dimensional zone. The detector and the reflector type concentrator are combined to define a zone under surveillance and detect any change in the state of thermal unbalance in the zone under surveillance.

Abstract: A portable, infrared, multiple gas analyzer for measuring the concentration of a plurality of infrared absorbent gases with a simple optical arrangement for transmitting an infrared beam along an optical path along with gas mixtures to be analyzed. Light transmitting tubes arranged in a U-like configuration transmit infrared energy and the gases applied thereto over a small path to an infrared detector from an infrared source and provide electrical analog output signals representative of the detected gases. The detector output signals are processed by D.C. processing circuits including an analog to digital converter and microprocessing circuits for providing digital, binary coded, output signals representative of the detected gas concentration of the infrared absorbent gases. The analyzer can be readily calibrated by applying a non-infrared absorbent gas to the gas analyzer to provide a maximum output signal level with the infrared beam on and the background level or dark level signal with the beam off.

Abstract: In an infrared sensor including a compensating element and an infrared sensitive element, the main bodies of which consist of temperature-sensing layers of germanium and are supported on a single-crystal silicon substrate with bridge structures of silicon oxynitride layers; infrared protection layers individually made of aluminum and/or gold with a thickness of 0.1-1.0 &mgr;m formed on both sides of the main body of the compensating element via insulating layers of silicon oxynitride of about 0.1-10 &mgr;m for almost completely shielding the compensating element from incident infrared rays and improving the sensor's sensitivity.

Abstract: A non-dispersive infrared gas analyzer for determining concentrations of carbon dioxide and/or carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides has two measuring cells 4, 6 consecutively traversed by a beam, with an optopneumatic detector 22 for carbon dioxide and an optopneumatic detector 23 for carbon monoxide arranged between them. Detectors 7, 8 for hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides are arranged on the measuring cell 6 located downstream from detectors 22, 23 in the direction of the beam.

Abstract: A passive infrared detector that enables the extent of the field to be 360 degrees in circumference with a simple arrangement and allows the field range in the vertical direction to be adjusted wholly or partially. A plurality of sensor units are circumferentially arranged on a sensor mounting plate. Each sensor unit has a reflecting mirror and a sensing element placed at the focus position of the mirror. Each sensor unit is rotatable in the vertical direction. A slot is formed radially in the sensor mounting plate opposite to each sensor unit. A rotating plate is rotatably mounted on the sensor mounting plate. A circumferential slit is formed circumferentially in the rotating plate such that the distance from the center of the rotating plate to the circumferential slit gradually decreases. An adjusting rod is connected at one end thereof to each sensor unit. The other end of the adjusting rod extends through the slot and the circumferential slit.

Abstract: A staring horizon sensor is mounted on an orbiting satellite has one or more linear infrared detector arrays having the horizon being detected imaged thereon. The arrays are each connected in cyclic repetitive alternating polarity patterns for generating at least two output signals which are offset in phase. The output signals are processed to locate the position of the horizon on the arrays. The repetitive pattern interconnection of the elements in the arrays provide a focal plane data compression which reduces the bandwidth as well as the complexity of the processing electronics. In addition, interconnecting the detective elements in repetitive alternating polarity groups having a spatial frequency greater than the spatial frequency of the thermal variation of the horizon minimize any error due to the earth's thermal variations.

Abstract: A pyroelectric-type IR receiving element comprises a pyroelectric substrate which is fixed to a supporting body at its support ends and at least one rectangular patch formed in the substrate. The patch is formed on its opposite surfaces with first and second electrodes which are overlapped to each other. The substrate has a U-shaped slit composed of a pair of side slits and a base slit connecting the side slits. The U-shaped slit surrounds continuously three sides of the patch, so that the patch is supported by the substrate in a cantilever fashion at a cantilever end which is opposed to one of the support ends of the substrate. Since a thermal stress applied to the substrate when the substrate is exposed to a temperature change is absorbed by the U-shaped slit, a stress concentration to be considered is not developed in the patch. As a result, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of popcorn noise, while maintaining good IR sensitivity.

Abstract: An infrared detector is positioned in a probe having leads which connect to a standard hand-held voltmeter. The detected voltage may indicate the difference between a target temperature surface and ambient temperature. For more accurate sensing of ambient temperature, a thermocouple may be connected in series with the thermopile with one junction at the thermopile cold junction temperature and another junction sensing ambient temperature. The ambient temperature may be that temperature surrounding the infrared detector or the temperature of the environment surrounding the meter. The infrared detector may be calibrated to provide a direct reading of temperature degrees by a factor of ten on the voltage scale of the meter. To that end, multiple thermocouples may be connected in series, each with a junction responding to ambient temperature and a junction responding to thermopile cold junction temperature.

Abstract: Infrared sensor that can make a temperature compensation by itself, and method for compensating a temperature thereof, are disclosed. The infrared sensor preferably includes a substrate, a diaphragm formed on the substrate, and a first thermopile sensor formed on a region of the diaphragm for sensing an infrared radiation emitted from a measured object and infrared radiations emitted from regions other than the measured object. A second thermopile sensor is formed on a region of the diaphragm and connected to the first thermopile sensor for sensing the infrared radiations emitted from the regions other than the measured object. A housing protects a front face of the substrate including the first, and second thermopile sensors includes an infrared filter in the housing over the first and second thermopile sensors for transmission of infrared radiations, and a reflector reflects the infrared radiation emitted from the measured object toward the first thermopile sensor.

Abstract: A catoptric optical system enhances the ability of a radiation sensor to detect motion of a radiant source within a region of a three-dimensional space without need for a polyethylene lens array. A preferred embodiment of the system includes first and second pairs of spaced-apart concave reflector elements arranged to form a chamber having a radiation reflective interior with a rectangular opening at each of input and output ends. The reflective elements of each of the first and second pairs are positioned in opposed relationship and separated by respective first and second distances. A two-element radiation sensor having a top surface is positioned proximal to the output end of the chamber.

Abstract: A microfabricated thermopile optimized as a differential temperature sensor provides differential temperature sensing between opposite edges of the device. A plurality of the thermopile sensors are stacked to increase the number of couples possible with an attendant increase in sensitivity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for infrared detection are described. An optomechanical photon detector includes a semiconductor material and is based on measurement of a photoinduced lattice strain. A multicolor infrared sensor includes a stack of frequency specific optomechanical detectors. The stack can include one, or more, of the optomechanical photon detectors that function based on the measurement of photoinduced lattice strain. The systems and methods provide advantages in that rapid, sensitive multicolor infrared imaging can be performed without the need for a cooling subsystem.

Abstract: A thermal-type infrared imaging device includes a first thermo-electric converting element (101) for generating an electric signal which corresponds to temperature determined according to heat generated by absorbing an incident infrared ray, a first bipolar transistor (102) having its emitted connected to the first thermo-electric converting element (101), and a second bipolar transistor (104) having its collector connected to the collector of the first bipolar transistor (102). The thermal-type infrared imaging device further includes a resistor (103) connected at one end thereof to a power supply and at the other end to the emitter of the second bipolar transistor (104), and an integration capacitor (105) connected to a connecting point of the respective collectors of the first and second bipolar transistors (102 and 104).

Abstract: A chip-shaped infrared sensor comprising a substrate formed with a cavity, an infrared radiation receiving portion supported in the form of a micro air bridge in the cavity by four hook-shaped beam portions extending from the substrate, two thermistor films for infrared radiation detection formed on the infrared radiation receiving portion, two thermistor films for temperature compensation arranged on the substrate, and a single thermistor film arranged on the substrate for detecting temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: A measuring device for determining the concentration of gases with two identical radiation sources and two radiation detectors, which delivers stable measured values despite the contamination that occurs or the shielding from radiation of the outer optical surfaces exposed to the gases or to mixtures of gases and despite possible mechanical disadjustments. The two radiation detectors are provided with an optical concentrator each for bundling the radiation, and being arranged in a gas-tight housing together with the two identical radiation sources and with a beam splitter. One radiation source is directed through a window that is transparent to infrared light to a plane mirror outside the gas-tight housing, and the beam path reflected by the plane mirror falls through the window that is transparent to infrared light onto the beam splitter.

Abstract: A multiple detector array is positioned in a satellite orbiting the earth for determining the attitude of the satellite with respect to the earth by detecting the earth's horizon. The multiple array of spaced detectors are mounted on a horizon sensor with a space detector viewing space, a horizon detector, with a field of view straddling the horizon and outer space space, a detector viewing the earth, and a gradient detector viewing the earth. Individual signals from these detectors are amplified and processed such that any gradients between the two earth viewing detectors are used to provide radiance compensation to correct for radiance errors in sensing the true position of the horizon.

Abstract: A radiation detector employs a thermopile having a potentiometer for scaling the thermopile output to best suit a particular output meter and sensing application. The output of the thermopile is scaled to approximate the output of a thermocouple in contact with a target surface and is indicative of the temperature of the target. Two detectors may be connected differentially to provide a differential output indicative of the temperature difference between two targets. Additionally, a temperature dependent variable resistor may be coupled to the thermopile, providing a variable resistance that combines with the thermopile output response to produce a linearized thermopile output response. Then, the total output signal of the detector for a particular target temperature is independent of fluctuations in local temperature.

Abstract: A focal plane array (30) for a thermal imaging system (20). The focal plane array (30) may include a number of thermal sensitive elements (42) bounded by a border (41). The thermal sensors (40) may provide a sensor signal output representative of the thermal radiation incident to the focal plane array (30). A multi-layer common electrode (36) may be coupled to the thermal sensitive elements (42) and the border (41). An optical coating (34) sensitive to infrared radiation may be provided in communication with the common electrode (36).

Abstract: Light of a specific wavelength is introduced into respective optical fiber members forming a light projecting optical fiber member group (14a) through a condensing lens (26). A second end of an optical fiber light guide path (10) whose first end is brought into close contact with a target (20) is branched into three optical fiber member groups including a light projecting optical fiber member group (14a) and first and second photoreceiving optical fiber member groups (16a, 18a), and each of the optical fiber member groups (14a, 16a, 18a) is formed by bundling optical fiber members forming respective unit bundles respectively.

Abstract: A bolometric detection device for millimeter or sub-millimeter waves and a method for manufacturing this device. According to the invention, at least one bolometer (8) is formed on a support (6) which is transparent to the waves to be detected, each bolometer including a reflecting resonant cavity (10), a grid (12) thermally insulated from the support and positioned above the cavity, regular conductor patterns (14) which are formed on the grid and whose electrical impedance is matched to that of the void, and a thermometer (16) integral with the grid.

Abstract: An infrared imaging system having a focal plane array including an array of detector elements and a readout circuit and including nonuniformity correction circuitry on the focal plane array. The individual detector elements correspond to pixels of an infrared scene to be imaged. Offsets in detection signals from each pixel arising from nonuniformities in the individual detector elements in the array are corrected by storing offset correction values for each detector element and using the stored offset values to control correction circuitry as the respective detector element signals are read out. The detector array and readout circuit are preferably formed as a monolithic or hybrid structure and the offset correction is provided on the focal plane array prior to signal amplification and analog to digital conversion.

Abstract: Bolometer array with active bolometers suspended over a substrate and a periphery of dummy bolometers making contact with the substrate, this allows bolometer formation under stress conditions.

Abstract: A pyroelectric infrared sensor includes light receiving electrodes and light reflecting electrodes being arranged in a two-set-three-series relative to top and bottom surfaces of the pyroelectric material. The first through sixth light receiving electrodes are formed to be of opposite polarity to each other. The first through sixth reflecting electrodes corresponding to the first through sixth light receiving electrodes are formed on the bottom surface of the material and connected to the connecting electrode of the same polarity so that a sensed signal of the same magnitude of infrared rays having the same energy irrespective of direction is outputted.

Abstract: A focal plane array (30) for a thermal imaging system (20). The focal plane array (30) may include a number of thermal sensitive elements (42) formed by a first series of slots (78) and a second series of slots (80). The thermal sensors (40) may be bounded by a border (41). The thermal sensors (40) may provide a sensor signal output representative of thermal radiation incident to the focal plane array (30). The first series of slots (78) may include a leading first slot (82) and a trailing first slot (84). Additionally, the first series of slots (78) may include a number of substantially parallel first slots therebetween. The second series of slots (80) may include a leading second slot (86) in a trailing second slot (88). The second series of slots (80) may also include a number of substantially parallel second slots therebetween. One of the first slots may extend beyond the leading second slot (86). Additionally, one of the first slots may extend beyond the trailing second slot (88).

Abstract: The earth horizon sensor apparatus uses first and second linear sensor arrays of sensor elements, the first and second linear sensor arrays being staggered with respect to each other. The sensor elements are preferably pyroelectric elements for detecting the presence or absence of infrared radiation from the Earth and Space. A microprocessor is used to determine which of the sensor elements subtends the diffuse horizon gradient and the constant zero radiance of Space. The attitude of the spacecraft is thereby calculated.

Abstract: A technique for sorting different materials using x-ray radiation employs a conveyor for conveying a non-singulated stream of material items along a feed path and a transmission/detection arrangement. The transmission/detection arrangement transmits x-ray radiation to material items in the feed path, detects x-ray radiation received from different portions of each material item, and generates signals corresponding to radiation received from different portions of each material item. A circuit averages at least a portion of the signals to produce an averaged signal and analyses the averaged signal to determine at least one physical property of each material item based on analysis of the averaged signal. A sorting assembly sorts the material items based on the analysis of the averaged signal.

Abstract: An occupancy sensor having a primary infrared radiation sensor and a secondary infrared radiation sensor in an integrated vacuum package having a window that provides separate fields of view to the sensors, respectively. The primary sensor is for monitoring occupancy of a selected space. The secondary sensor is for monitoring the background radiation of the space. Signals from the primary and secondary sensors are electronically processed and compared, and the occupancy level of the selected space is determined. Temperature and visible light sensors may also be incorporated. Sensor information is used to control temperature, ventilation, lighting and other parameters of the selected space.

Abstract: A passive-type infrared sensor system includes first and second sensor units each including a first or second light receiving element and a first or second optical system. The first sensor unit has a "viewing" direction oriented towards an upper half of a human body so as to define a first watch area clear of a ground surface. The second sensor unit has a similar "viewing" direction oriented diagonally downwardly towards a point on the ground surface spaced a predetermined watch distance away from where it is installed so as to define a second predetermined watch area below the first watch area.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) microlens array has a plurality of microlenses (12) aligned with respective IR detector array pixels (6) to focus incoming IR radiation onto the pixels (6) to improve the efficiency of IR detection, and a gas molecule getter grating (14) inside a vacuum-sealed Dewar assembly that houses the detector array (4) increases the surface area of the getter (15) to improve the efficiency of removing residual gas molecules from the Dewar assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for sensing the temperature of bearings of vehicles traveling along a track, the apparatus including a linear-array infrared detector positioned adjacent to the track. The output from the linear-array infrared detector is scanned at a scanning rate that is regulated according to the vehicle's velocity, and this output is compared to predetermined thresholds to indicate excessive heat produced by the wheels and/or bearings.

Abstract: A thermal emitted radiation detecting device is configured to detect objects in visual blind spots of a vehicle. A low cost differential detector is used which is sensitive to temperature change. Optics train two different fields of view on the detector and switch between the two fields of view to provide a blind spot field of view and a reference field of view. The presence of a vehicle in the blind spot field of view results in a temperature difference between the two fields of view. The resulting detector output signal is compared to predetermined threshold levels and then used to provide an indication, either visual or audible. Several embodiments of optics and switching fields of view are provided.

Abstract: An integrated photovoltaic detector includes a reference photovoltaic detector and an active photovoltaic detector in a series connection. The reference detector produces a dark current that opposes the active detector's dark current. The active detector effectively masks the reference detector from incident illumination so that the active detector produces photocurrent but the reference detector does not. The band gap of the reference detector is preferably matched to the active detector so that their dark currents are substantially matched over a temperature range. As a result, the current read out of the integrated detector at the series connection is approximately equal to the photocurrent generated by the active detector. This improves the detector's SNR, signal resolution, and useful operating temperature range.

Abstract: A pyrometer for measuring the electromagnetic radiation emitted by an object comprises a first detector to which the radiation is delivered through an optical system as well as a second detector to which the radiation emanating from a reference element is delivered through the same optical system. The temperature of the reference element is monitored and a rotary optical modulator periodically enables and disables the delivery of radiation to the detectors. The output signals from the two detectors are processed to determine the difference therebetween. The sensed temperature of the reference element is taken into account as a part of determining the difference between the two detector output signals. In this way it is possible for the characteristic radiation of the optical system largely to be suppressed. The optical modulator comprises a semi-circular disk having a polyethylene terephthalate substrate coated on each side with metal. The disk is rotated through 180.degree.

Abstract: A pyroelectric infrared array sensor has a pyroelectric element on which a plurality of sensing sections are formed each of which is made up of a pair of electrodes confronted with each other. In fixedly securing the pyroelectric element to a substrate, lead conductors extended from the sensing sections located adjacent to the edges of the light receiving surface of the pyroelectric element are fixedly connected to the substrate by using conductive paste.

Abstract: The invention is a system for controlling the operation of a dome in connection with a telescope in order to maintain the slot of the dome in alignment with the telescope at all times so that stars may be viewed continuously. The system eliminates of minimizes the need for the user having to manually control the operation, usually rotation, of the dome. Preferably four infrared sensors and transmitters are mounted along the circumference of the telescope in order to send signals to a controller when the edge of the dome is detected which occurs when the signal is reflected back to the sensor. Each of the sensors should be 90.degree. in relation to each other. Each of the sensors is in connection with a controller. The controller is in connection with the movement system of the dome and sends signals to the movement system that rotate the dome until the sensors determine that the dome slot is aligned with the telescope.

Abstract: An infrared sensor includes a linear array of plural photoconductive sensor elements, and a similarly linear multiplexing circuit arranged in side-by-side relation with the linear array of sensor elements. The multiplexing circuit includes a matching plurality of signal input ports, and a wirebond of plural conductors substantially in parallel conducts signals from the plural sensor elements of the array to the respective signal input ports of the multiplexer circuit. The multiplexer circuit includes a matching plurality of adaptation circuits or cells interposed between the respective sensor elements of the array and the input ports of the multiplexing circuit. Each adaptation cell includes a multi-position switch which by its position varies the transfer function of a feed back circuit of the adaptation cell. Plural modes of signal processing for each individual sensor element of the array are provided according to the positions of the multi-position switches of the plural adaptation cells.

Abstract: A thermal imaging device (10) has single integrated circuit chip (86) to perform various analog signal processing (ASP) functions. The imaging device (10) has a detector array (50) including a plurality of detectors (50') each of which generate an electrical signal (78) indicative of the infrared flux incident thereon. These electrical signals (78) are processed and provided in the form of serial analog video signals (52) to the ASP chip (86). The ASP chip (86) includes circuitry (200) for correcting for the differing responsivity of serial manufactured detector arrays (50), circuitry (202) for correcting the gain of the serial analog signal (52) globally, and circuitry (206) for sensing the gain of a processing serial analog signal (90) which the ASP chip (86) provides to an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter (92) of the thermal imaging device (10).

Abstract: The terrestrial sensor device is suitable for use on a satellite or spacecraft. It has a lens for forming an image of the Earth in a focal plane, and a sensor placed in the focal plane. The sensor is constituted by a two-dimensional array of pyroelectric detectors. The device also includes an actuator for oscillating the array in the focal plane, orthogonally to the optical axis of the image-formation lens, at a determined frequency and with an amplitude at least equal to the distribution spacing of the detectors and a processing circuit for acquisition of the output signals of the detectors at the oscillation frequency and for comparison of the output signals with a threshold.

Abstract: A gas analyzer capable of simultaneously detecting two or more components in a single-cell mode and a gas-analyzing mechanism suitable for simultaneously detecting two or more components in a cross-flow modulation single-cell mode are provided. A gas analyzer unit includes two measuring cells, light sources provided on one end side of each of the measuring cells, gas filter cells with interferential gaseous components hindering a detection of components to be measured enclosed provided on the other end side of each of the measuring cells, beam splitters included in two gas filter cells, first- and fourth and second- and third detectors provided on the side of transmitting position and the side of reflecting position, respectively, of each of the beam splitters and a sampling device connected with a rotary valve.

Abstract: An automated interrupt driven system which employs a circular buffer is used to sort materials based on differing electromagnetic radiation absorption and penetration characteristics. The system has a conveyor and a source of electromagnetic radiation which radiates materials travelling along the conveyor. A controller samples detector outputs at various times to evaluate the absorption and penetration characteristics of the materials to be sorted, based on a plurality of samples. Portions of the materials are ignored to obtain accurate readings from the detectors. Based on the detected penetration and absorption characteristics, the controller activates ejection mechanisms causing materials of different compositions to be deposited into different bins. The controller executes interrupts to cause detection, ejection, testing, and system history maintenance at required times.

Abstract: A microstructure design for high IR sensitivity having a two level infrared bolometer microstructure, the lower level having a reflective metal film surface such as Pt, Au, or Al to reflect IR penetrating to that level, the upper level being separated from the lower level by an air gap of about 1-2 microns which allows the reflected IR to interfere with the incident IR and increase the sensitivity to a higher level.