Infrared sensor operable without cooling

Details Infrared sensor operable without cooling Infrared sensor operable without cooling

1989-09-08

1991-07-23

Hannaher, Constantine

Radiant energy

Invisible radiant energy responsive electric signalling

Infrared responsive

2503381, G01J 500

Patent

active

050346083

ABSTRACT:
An infrared sensor operable without cooling and thus usable at room temperature comprises a substrate supporting thin films of pyroelectric material and switched capacitor control circuitry. The control circuitry compares the absolute capacitance of a reference thin film to that of a sensor thin film, thereby sensing infrared radiation without the use of a chopper device. The reference thin film is thermally coupled to the substrate, and the sensor thin film is thermally insulated form the substrate. To increase the fill factor, the sensor thin film is placed directly above the control circuitry. In another apsect, the sensor is adpated to sense visible and infrared light by adding a CCD sensor and appropriate control circuitry to the substrate.

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