Variable waveband infrared imager

A dual waveband imager, comprising:

• a transparent substrate transparent to visible wavelengths of light and infrared radiation;
• a pixel plate spaced apart from the transparent substrate by a first post and a second post;
• and
• a bimorph structure formed in a portion of the pixel plate, where the bimorph structure is transparent to visible wavelengths of light and absorbs infrared radiation.

A method of generating a visible image with a single dual waveband imager, comprising:

• receiving a visible wavelength on a transparent substrate having a thickness;
• passing the visible wavelength through the transparent substrate and through a bimorph structure formed with a portion of a pixel plate spaced apart from the transparent substrate;
• introducing a propagating visible wavelength into the thickness of the transparent substrate at an angle that generates an evanescent electric field between the transparent substrate and the bimorph structure;
• receiving an infrared radiation on the transparent substrate;
• passing the infrared radiation through the transparent substrate to the bimorph structure;
• absorbing the infrared radiation with the bimorph structure and generating heat;
• deforming the bimorph structure and the pixel plate towards the transparent substrate in response to the generated heat;
• and
• tunneling a portion of the propagating visible wavelength out of the transparent substrate and through the bimorph structure and pixel plate where it is viewable as a converted visible radiation.