Passive broadband infrared optical limiter device based on a micro-optomechanical cantilever array

An IR detection system, comprising:

• an IR detector, responsive to signals having infrared wavelengths of approximately 7 to 14 microns;
• an array of microcantilever devices arranged to reflect the signals onto the IR detector, wherein the microcantilever devices reflect the signal onto the IR detector when the radiation is below a predetermined threshold, and the microcantilever devices deflect the radiation away from the detector when the radiation exceeds the predetermined threshold;
• a lens for focusing the radiation from the array;
• and
• a knife edge adjacent to the focal point of the lens to block the deflected radiation from impinging on the IR detector.

A method for limiting the amount of radiation impinging on an IR detector, responsive to signals having infrared wavelengths of approximately 3 to 14 microns, comprising the steps of:

• utilizing microcantilever devices to reflect the signals towards the IR detector, when the radiation is below a predetermined threshold;
• focusing the radiation toward the IR detector with a lens;
• bending the microcantilever devices to deflect the radiation away from the detector when the radiation exceeds the predetermined threshold;
• and
• utilizing a knife edge adjacent to the focal point of the lens to block the deflected radiation from impinging on the IR detector.

A method for limiting the amount of radiation impinging on a radiation sensitive device, responsive to signals of interest having infrared wavelengths of approximately 3 to 14 microns, comprising the steps of:

• directing radiation toward the radiation sensitive device which includes a microcantilever;
• permitting the radiation to impinge upon the radiation sensitive device when the radiation is below a predetermined threshold;
• and
• utilizing radiation, having wavelengths different from the signals of the interest, to initiate the limiting of the radiation impinging upon the radiation sensitive device, when the predetermined threshold is exceeded.