Abstract: An image sensor system includes a detector having a plurality of detector elements and optics having a beam path from an optical element on to the detector. Calibration of the detector can be rapidly effected where the image sensor system has a reference radiating device fixed within the beam path for illuminating the detector elements.

Abstract: A method includes bonding a first side of a metal shim to a silicon shim, removing metal from the metal shim to form a plurality of cleared metal lanes in accordance with a pattern, bonding a readout integrated circuit having a plurality of saw lanes in accordance with the pattern to a second side of the metal shim to form a wafer assembly wherein the plurality of saw lanes is aligned with the plurality of cleared metal lanes, and dicing the wafer assembly.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for viewing an area includes a dewar and an optical system positioned within the dewar. The dewar permits operation of the flux detector at cryogenic temperatures, in some embodiments. The optical system includes an infrared radiation system capable of focusing one or more light beams. The inclusion of the optical system within the cryogenic space of the dewar allows reduction of the overall system length and weight, if desired.

Abstract: A focal plan array system of the bolometer type which comprises: (a) an array of i×j pixel detectors of the bolometer type for sensing scenery radiation; (b) a case which accommodates said array of detectors, said case having a front window that provides exposure to the sensing element of all the i×j pixel detectors to radiation coming from the scenery; (c) at least one blind detector of the bolometer type within the case in a column j+1 for sensing case radiation, the sensing elements of said at least one detector are irradiated by one or more reference surfaces whose radiation is proportional to the case radiation; (d) reading circuitry for reading indication for the scenery radiation as sensed by each of the i×j detectors of the array, and for reading indication for the case radiation as sensed by said at least one blind detector; and (e) compensation circuitry for compensating each of said scenery radiation indications of each detector for the effects resulted from the case radiation, based on the case ra

Abstract: The invention applies wavefront coding to the front of an electro-optic/infrared device to minimize the amount of light which is retroreflected by systems, such as Fowarding Looking Infrared systems, back to its source. The invention (unlike conventional reduction methods) does not rely on reducing the laser power leaving the interrogated sensor, but primarily on controlling its direction. A sensor according to the present invention, which has been wavefront coded for reduction of reflected light, will also effect the direction of the scattered light, thereby significantly reducing that which returns to the zero bistatic angle position. In contrast, a limitation of conventional methods is that once specular reflections are addressed, the remaining retroreflected signal typically results from scattered light at the focal plane which is largely collected and recollimated by the system optics.

Abstract: A laser beam steering module includes an optics assembly that directs a first portion of a laser beam through an output aperture and a second portion of through a sensing path. The optics assembly adjusts a position of the laser beam through the output aperture and sensing path responsive to position control signals. A sensor array in the sensing path receives the second portion of the laser beam and in response thereto generates electrical beam position signals indicating a position of laser beam through the output aperture. The electrical beam position signals have values that are a function of a temperature of the sensor array and are used in generating the position control signals to adjust the position of the laser beam as a function of the values of the electrical beam position signals. A thermal stabilization circuit stabilizes the temperature of the sensor array responsive to thermal control signals.

Abstract: A component for detecting electromagnetic radiation comprises: a housing defining a chamber placed under a vacuum or underpressure, one of the faces of the housing including a window which is transparent to the radiation to be detected and the chamber including at least one detector which is used to detect the radiation in question and is arranged inside said chamber essentially against the transparent window, a pump for pumping the residual gases or getter in order to maintain the vacuum or underpressure in the chamber at an acceptable level, and a thermal stabilisation device for ensuring regulation of temperature of the detector(s). The thermal stabilisation device consists of a heating resistive element which is integrated into the mass of one of the walls defining the housing.

Abstract: An infrared sensor capable of more highly accurately correcting an electrical signal converted by a light receiving unit is provided. An infrared sensor (100) converts energy of infrared rays radiated from an object (for example, human body) to an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal, the infrared sensor comprising: a light receiving unit (10) that includes a quantum type infrared detection element (11) and that converts the energy of the infrared rays to an electrical signal; and a correction unit (20) that corrects the output signal from the light receiving unit (10), wherein the light receiving unit (10) and the correction unit (20) are formed of the identical material on the identical substrate (1) and have the identical configuration so that the infrared rays enters in an identical manner.

Abstract: A wavelength-conversion system includes a wavelength-conversion target that radiates an energy output when an energy input of a different wavelength is incident upon the wavelength-conversion target. An input structure directs the energy input of the input-energy wavelength to be incident upon the wavelength-conversion target. A target baseline temperature modifier either controllably heats or controllably cools the wavelength-conversion target independently of any heating or cooling effect of the energy input or the energy output. A detector is positioned so that the energy output of the output-energy wavelength emitted from the wavelength-conversion target is incident upon the detector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a car side mirror equipped with a thermal infrared camera. The car side mirror includes a thermal infrared camera device, a video signal transmission device, a power unit. Associated with the side mirror device is a display device inside the car. The thermal infrared camera device includes a thermal image sensor for receiving infrared signals, an electronic circuit for determining whether an obstacle exists in front of a car, and containing an individual Identification (ID), and a video output unit for converting output signals into video signals. The thermal infrared camera device photographs one or more objects in a desired direction. The video signal transmission device transmits the video signals to a display device. The power unit supplies power to the thermal infrared camera device and the video signal transmission device. The display device identifies the individual ID of the thermal infrared camera and then receives the video signals.

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

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

Abstract: A cold shield of a cryogenic camera. The cold shield reflects external thermal radiation away from the cryogenic camera, so as to shield the cryogenic camera in a cryogenic temperature such that no internal thermal radiation will be generated. The cryogenic camera has a lens assembly and a focal plane array. The cold shield has an upper cold shield member for holding the lens assembly and a lower cold shield member for holding the focal plane array. The upper cold shield member fits over the lower cold shield member by contact friction, such that limited translation and rotation of the lower cold shield member relative to the upper cold shield member are allowable. Therefore, the cold shield allows a fine adjustment for aligning the lens assembly to the focal plane array.

Abstract: A camera system exhibiting reduced effects from temperature changes. The camera system includes an IR sensor; an optical arrangement adapted to focus incoming light onto the sensor; a processing arrangement adapted to process signals produced by the sensor; a heatsink in thermal contact with and is adapted to transfer heat energy away from, the processing arrangement; and a thermal equalizer. The thermal equalizer at least partially surrounds and is in thermal contact with the optics/sensor unit and is formed at least partially from a material having a high thermal conductivity. The thermal equalizer conducts heat energy from warmer to cooler parts of the optics/sensor unit. The thermal equalizer is also thermally insulated from ambient air surrounding the camera system and from the heatsink.

Abstract: A bolometer infrared detecting element has a thermal isolation structure in which a temperature detector comprising a bolometer thin film is held floating from a circuit substrate by beams. As infrared rays incident on the temperature detector or reflected by an infrared reflector are absorbed by a protective film and the bolometer thin film, the temperature of the bolometer thin film rises, and the temperature rise is detected as a change in resistance. When a high temperature object whose temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature or whose output voltage is equal to or higher than a value corresponding to the predetermined temperature is detected, a control temperature setter or a pulse bias setter performs control in such a way as to raise the temperature of a Peltier device stepwise or in a pulse form, or to increase the width of a pulse of pulse bias, or to increase the voltage value of the pulse.

Abstract: An infrared imaging system uses an uncooled elliptical surface section between reflective surfaces to allow a detector to perceive a cold interior of a vacuum chamber rather than a warmer surface of a structure or housing. In this way, background infrared radiation from within the system may be minimized.

Abstract: A gas sensor arrangement for detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte in a measuring gas comprises a gas measuring chamber having an inlet for receiving the measuring gas. A measuring radiation source is arranged in the gas measuring chamber. The measuring radiation source emits radiation in a non-uniform pulse sequence according to a signal from a controller. A radiation detector receives the radiation emitted from the measuring radiation source. The radiation detector sends an output signal to the controller for processing.

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

Abstract: The cooled photosensitive cell (1) according to the invention comprises a table (2), a sensor (3) which is fitted on the table (2) and is connected to electrical connection tracks (30), a screen (10) to prevent parasitic radiation on the sensor (3), and a Joule-Thomson cooler (4) in order to cool the table (2) and the screen (10). The table (2) and the screen (10) are cooled by convection by being subjected directly to the volume of expansion of the cooler (4), the table (2) being provided with apertures (6) for passage of the cooling flow communicating with a cavity (14) for cooling of the screen (10).

Abstract: A radiation detector system having a heat pipe based cooling. The radiation detector system includes a radiation detector thermally coupled to a thermo electric cooler (TEC). The TEC cools down the radiation detector, whereby heat is generated by the TEC. A heat removal device dissipates the heat generated by the TEC to surrounding environment. A heat pipe has a first end thermally coupled to the TEC to receive the heat generated by the TEC, and a second end thermally coupled to the heat removal device. The heat pipe transfers the heat generated by the TEC from the first end to the second end to be removed by the heat removal device.

Abstract: An enclosure for a cavity enhanced optical spectroscopy instrument provides a highly temperature stable environment by positioning the instrument optical cavity away from the enclosure walls and providing a wall mounted heat pump, fan and heat exchanger. The fan causes the gas contained within the enclosure to circulate over the heat exchanger and in a laminar, non-turbulent flow path along interior wall surfaces of the enclosure thereby maintaining the optical cavity in a temperature and vibration stable zone.

Abstract: An imaging device comprises a select line, a first signal line crossing the select line, and a first pixel provided at a portion corresponding to a crossing portion of the select line and the first signal line, the first pixel comprising a first buffer layer formed on a substrate, a first bolometer film formed on the first buffer layer, made of a compound which undergoes metal-insulator transition, and generating a first temperature detection signal, a first switching element formed on the substrate, selected by a select signal from the select line, and supplying the first temperature detection signal to the first signal line, and a metal wiring connecting a top surface of the first bolometer film to the first switching element.

Abstract: A wide-angle IR imaging system (1A) has an entrance aperture (40) for admitting IR from a scene and a dewar (4A) that contains a coldshield (3) that encloses a cooled IR detector (2) disposed at an image plane (2A). The dewar includes a dewar window (4), and an optical axis of the IR imaging system passes through the dewar window and the image plane. The IR imaging system further includes a plurality of uncooled optical elements (22, 24, 26, 28) disposed along the optical axis between the entrance aperture and the dewar window, and a plurality of generally annular reflector segments (18A, 18B) disposed around the optical axis between the dewar window and the entrance aperture. Each of the reflector segments has a reflective surface that faces the dewar window.

Abstract: An all-reflective telescope has, in order, a positive-optical-power primary mirror, a negative-optical-power secondary mirror, a positive-optical-power tertiary mirror, a negative-optical-power quaternary mirror, and a positive-optical-power field lens. The mirrors and lens are axisymmetric about a beam axis. The light beam is incident upon an infrared detector after reflecting from the quaternary mirror. A cooling housing encloses the detector and the field lens, but does not enclose any of the mirrors. An uncooled warm-stop structure outside of the cooling housing but in a field of view of the detector is formed as a plurality of facets with reflective surfaces oriented to reflect a view of an interior of the cooling housing back to the interior of the cooling housing.

Abstract: A Midwave FLIR imaging optical apparatus has both a narrow and wide field of view. The imaging optical apparatus has a See Spot mode of operation, where a laser designator spot image is superimposed on the FLIR image in the narrow field of view. A laser rangefinder receiver path is also provided. A shared aperture collects incident radiation, which after manipulation by a plurality of optically significant surfaces, projects radiation to a detector. The imaging optical system is lightweight and compact and efficiently transmits FLIR energy and a narrow band of laser energy so that a signal due to a source outside the pass bands of interest (including solar energy) will not adversely effect operation of the imaging optical apparatus.

Abstract: An infrared camera includes a temperature sensor (39) and an element operating temperature setting circuit (30) for setting a temperature obtained by adding a desired offset to the temperature of the temperature sensor (39) immediately after the power-on as an operating temperature of an imaging device (2), and images with the imaging device (2) settled to the temperature obtained by adding the desired offset to the temperature of the temperature sensor (39) immediately after the power-on.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system for effecting temperature control in a camera includes a lens housing having an optical stop, a lens disposed within the lens housing, and a thermally conductive material disposed between the lens and the optical stop. The thermally conductive material, which may be an adhesive, has a thermal conductivity of at least approximately 1.90 W/m·K.

Abstract: In an infrared imaging device, shutting means 40 is configured so that it can be opened/closed and so as to shut off an infrared radiation coming into an optical system 20 when it is closed. During an imaging operation, the shutting means 40 is opened, and the optical system 20 causes an infrared radiation from an object 70 to form an image on an infrared detector 10. The infrared detector 10 outputs a signal according to the amount of infrared light received by each pixel. Correction means 30 corrects sensitivity variations among pixels, the influence of the infrared radiation from the optical system 20, etc. During a calibration operation, the shutting means 40 is closed, and the correction means 30 determines a correction coefficient for correcting fluctuations in the amount of infrared radiation from the optical system 20 by using the output of the infrared detector 10 imaging the shutting means 40.

Abstract: A system and method for focusing infrared detectors operable at cryogenic temperatures. The invention includes a sensor (10) for detecting electromagnetic energy comprising a first detector (14) operable over a first temperature range and a predetermined number of auxiliary detectors (12) operable over a second temperature range, wherein the auxiliary detectors (12) are adjacent to and in the same optical plane as the first detector (14). In the illustrative embodiment, the energy is infrared or visible light, the first temperature range is a range of cryogenic temperatures, and the second temperature range is a range of ambient temperatures. The first detector (14) is a focal plane array and the auxiliary detectors (12) are uncooled detector arrays. In the preferred embodiment, the focal plane array (14) and the uncooled detectors (12) are disposed on a common substrate.

Abstract: A continuously variable diaphragm or swappable fixed aperture for use in thermal infrared cameras, which aperture or diaphragm can be cooled to cryogenic temperatures. The invention contemplates mounting aperture control means, if necessary, in a vacuum or extending the control mechanism through a vacuum in a thermally isolated manner to avoid radiation load on the photocell. The inventive method implements such a diaphragm and control system. The invention makes possible the object of using a single thermal infrared camera under a wide variety of target-scene radiation conditions that may be rapidly changing, with interchangeable or zoom camera lenses requiring matching or different size cold stops, and under other such dynamic situations.

Abstract: A device for generating an image from an IR radiation including a plurality of polarized heat detectors (2) having specific electric resistances distributed over the focal plane of a detection module so as to deliver a signal representing a detected IR radiation. A read module (8) converts the electric signal into a signal usable by an image processing block (18). An electric signal compensation module (10) having a first branch (12) for obtaining a first thresholding to extract a first constant value signal due to the polarization of the heat detectors. The compensation module (10) includes a second branch (30) for obtaining a second thresholding to extract from the first thresholding signal a second low-level signal due to the dispersion of the electric resistances of the heat detectors and/or to the fluctuations in the temperature of the focal plane of the detection module.

Abstract: An infrared image sensor comprises, a substrate having an image area on which infrared radiation is made incident and an non-image area out of the image area, plural first heat-sensitive parts arranged in rows and columns on the image area, plural second heat-sensitive parts provided in the non-image area so as to correspond to the respective rows of the first heat-sensitive parts in the image area with the same thermoelectric conversion function as that of the first heat-sensitive parts, a bias current supply circuit supplying a bias current to the first heat-sensitive parts and second heat-sensitive parts, an output circuit outputting an electric signal of the first heat-sensitive parts, and a bias current control circuit controlling the bias current to be fed to the first heat-sensitive parts, according to an electric signal of the second heat-sensitive parts.

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

Abstract: A method and device for photothermal imaging tiny metal particles which are immersed in a given medium like a living cell deposited onto a transparent glass slide. The given medium and immersed tiny metal particles are illuminated through separate phase reference laser beam and sensitive probe laser beam, with the sensitive probe laser beam including a heating laser beam undergoing through impingement on the given medium slight phase changes induced by photothermal effect due to a local heating, in the absence of any substantial phase changes to the phase reference laser beam. Illuminating is performed by focusing the separate phase reference and sensitive probe laser beam through the transparent glass slide at a given depth within the given medium and a transmitted phase reference laser beam and a transmitted sensitive probe laser beam undergoing the slight phase changes are generated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compensating a radiation sensor for temperature variations of the sensor. In one example, the radiation sensor is a thermal sensor having at least one property that varies as a function of temperature. The thermal sensor outputs signals based on thermal radiation of interest from a particular radiating body in its view. These signals may contain significant undesirable components due in part to changes in temperature of the sensor itself. Methods and apparatus of the invention compensate the sensor for temperature variations of the sensor that are not due to the radiation of interest, so as to significantly reduce undesirable components in the instantaneous signals output by the sensor. In one example, this is accomplished without thermally stabilizing the sensor itself (i.e., dynamic temperature compensation).

Abstract: This invention is a modular, adjustable, easy to maintain, portable food sanitation hood system, comprising a hooded means for subjecting food to sanitizers including UV light, ozone and hydroxyl radicals, and a method for using the system. The means for subjecting food to the sanitizers includes one or more UV radiation sources and one or more target rods for UV radiation located under a hood. The UV radiation sources are preferably low-vapor mercury UV light sources that emit UV light of approximately 185 to 254 nm. The hood preferably includes an adjustable light curtain to at least partially reduce radiation emitted away from the food. The target rods comprise up to approximately up to 0-30% titanium dioxide, up to 0-30% silver and up to 0-30% copper, by weight. The system may include a mister for adding mist in proximity to the food for efficient sanitization.

Abstract: Techniques for minimizing stress induced by temperature changes in an integrated circuit (e.g., focal plane array or processor) or other such assemblies that include materials having mismatched coefficients of thermal expansion/contraction are disclosed. A thermal interface including a flexible comb-like pattern enables compensation for mismatched coefficients thereby reducing thermal-related stress.

Abstract: A system and method for focusing infrared detectors operable at cryogenic temperatures. The invention includes a sensor (10) for detecting electromagnetic energy comprising a first detector (14) operable over a first temperature range and a predetermined number of auxiliary detectors (12) operable over a second temperature range, wherein the auxiliary detectors (12) are adjacent to and in the same optical plane as the first detector (14). In the illustrative embodiment, the energy is infrared or visible light, the first temperature range is a range of cryogenic temperatures, and the second temperature range is a range of ambient temperatures. The first detector (14) is a focal plane array and the auxiliary detectors (12) are uncooled detector arrays. In the preferred embodiment, the focal plane array (14) and the uncooled detectors (12) are disposed on a common substrate.

Abstract: A focal plane array (FPA) of infrared (IR) radiation detectors (20), such as an array of microbolometers, includes an active area (20A) containing a plurality of IR radiation detectors, a readout integrated circuit (ROIC) (12) that is mechanically and electrically coupled to the active area and, disposed on the ROIC, a plurality of heater elements (30A) that are located and operated so as to provide a substantially uniform thermal distribution across at least the active area. The FPA further includes a plurality of temperature sensors (30B), individual ones of which are spatially associated with one of the heater elements for sensing the temperature in the vicinity of the associated heater element for providing closed loop operation of the associated heater element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correction of temperature-induced variations in the analog output characteristics of a microbolometer detector in an infrared detecting focal plane array utilizing electronic means to correct for the temperature variation of the individual microbolometer detector. The electronic circuitry and associated software necessary for implementation is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correction of temperature-induced variations in the analog output characteristics of a microbolometer detector in an infrared detecting focal plane array utilizing electronic means to correct for the temperature variation of the individual microbolometer detector. The electronic circuitry and associated software necessary for implementation is also described.

Abstract: A special infrared photodetector is operable at high temperatures. The detector is a very wideband detector which may be operated in a direct detection mode or in a heterodyne mode. A multiple quantum well photodetector includes a plurality of wells and a plurality of barriers formed of alternating layers of gallium-arsenide and aluminum-gallium-arsenide material respectively. The gallium-arsenide layers are highly doped with an n-type dopant such as silicon atoms. The high doping produces an unexpected result of improved operational efficiency at elevated temperatures. Photodetectors of these inventions have a large number of quantum well structures to improve absorption or interaction cross section. In all versions, the middle portion of wells include a special region of a highly doped gallium arsenide material in a density of about one to three trillion silicon atoms per square centimeter.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiment of the invention is an improvement to an infrared camera in which an uncooled warm stop is provided which includes an array of miniature retro-reflectors on its rear surface oriented toward the detector in the camera and away from the exterior light source of interest instead of having a diffuse (i.e., Lambertian or white) or specular (i.e., mirror-like) reflector on the rear or interior surface of the warm stop.

Abstract: A compact, wide field of view, infrared imaging system with two Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) and, optionally, an additional one Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) band, has a single, color corrected lens element embedded within the detector/dewar assembly. The lens element has two aspherical surface profiles and utilizes a holographic optical element to manipulate and detect bands of energy that are harmonic components of each other. The infrared imaging system simplifies and shrinks the MWIR/LWIR imager while maintaining all of the required functionality. An exemplary infrared imaging apparatus performs at an F-stop (F/#) of at least 1.4 with a square field of view of 90×90 degrees.

Abstract: A microelectronic system includes a substrate that is preferably silicon and a microelectronic device supported on the substrate. The microelectronic device may be a light sensor that include a readout integrated circuit formed in the silicon substrate, and a light detector supported on and electrically interconnected with the readout integrated circuit. A cryocooler formed in and integral with the substrate includes a gas inflow channel formed in the substrate, an expansion nozzle formed in the substrate and receiving a gas flow from the gas inflow channel, and a gas outflow channel that receives the gas flow from the outlet of the expansion nozzle. The gas inflow channel and the gas outflow channel may be countercurrent spirals.

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compensating a radiation sensor for ambient temperature variations. Ambient temperature variations may produce undesirable artifacts in electronic signals output by a radiation sensor. In some cases, such artifacts may detrimentally reduce the dynamic range of the sensor and/or processing circuitry associated with the sensor with respect to radiation of interest. The radiation sensor may be compensated for such undesirable artifacts by, for example, adding an appropriate offset to a sensor bias voltage or a sensor bias current, and/or controlling a temperature of the radiation sensor, based on variations in the ambient temperature.

Abstract: An infrared camera with lower dissipation power, a wide range of operating environment temperature, and a shorter warmup is provided. The infrared camera includes a plurality of device operating-temperature setting circuits setting respective device operating temperatures different from one another, a device operating-temperature setting switch for selecting one of the output of the device operating-temperature setting circuits, and a temperature sensor, and performs imaging by switching the connection target of the device operating-temperature setting switch according to a measurement by the temperature sensor, that is to say, according to the temperature inside an enclosure and selecting an operating temperature for an imaging device among a plurality of device operating-temperature settings.

Abstract: A system and method for gathering image data are disclosed. A first sensor (120) receives light directly from an aperture (114) and generates a first data set in response to the received light. A first reflective surface (130) receives light from the aperture (114) and reflects the received light. A second reflective surface (132) receives light reflected from the first reflective surface (130) and reflects the received light. A second sensor (134) receives light reflected from the second reflective surface (132) and generates a second data set in response to the received light. The second sensor (134) is substantially coaxial with the first sensor (120).

Abstract: An infrared camera includes a temperature sensor (39) and an element operating temperature setting circuit (30) for setting a temperature obtained by adding a desired offset to the temperature of the temperature sensor (39) immediately after the power-on as an operating temperature of an imaging device (2), and images with the imaging device (2) settled to the temperature obtained by adding the desired offset to the temperature of the temperature sensor (39) immediately after the power-on.