Uncooled high resolution infrared imaging plane
AssigneeAerojet-General Corporation
InventorsReinhard D. Ennulat, Dieter Pommerrenig
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A two-dimensional infrared focal plane employing a uniquely configured detector array for reducing the thermal conductance between detectors and between each detector and its environment to enhance signal-to-noise and spacial resolution without requiring cumbersome cooling. An array of radiation concentrators placed between the detector array and the image and spaced from the array, permits widely spaced detectors without incurring any substantial dead space on the detector plane. Detector support configurations provide for connection to nodes of a readout IC substrate while positioning each detector over an air-filled or evacuated chamber to further reduce thermal conductivity.
Claims19
A thermal imager comprising:
- a two-dimensional planar array of thermally sensitive detectors, each such detector being spaced from other detectors in said array to reduce the thermal conductance between detectors,
- a detector support structure having a plurality of low thermal conductance ribbons, each such ribbon being oriented to support at least one detector and associated electrical leads in a position that is spaced from all adjacent surfaces,
- means for processing electrical signals generated by said detectors on said electrical leads for producing a video image from said array, and
- a two-dimensional array of radiation concentrators positioned between said detector array and a source of thermal energy, said concentrators being positioned in spaced relation to said detector array for directing virtually all incident thermal energy onto said detectors while preventing substantially any thermal energy from being incident between said detectors, said concentrators having an optical gain of at least 2.
An infrared high resolution thermal imaging plane comprising:
- a two-dimensional planar array of infrared sensitive detectors, each such detector being spaced from other detectors in said array to reduce the thermal conductance between detectors,
- a detector support structure having a plurality of low thermal conductance ribbons, each such ribbon being oriented to support at least one detector and associated electrical leads in a position that is spaced from all adjacent surfaces, means for processing electrical signals generated by said detectors on said electrical leads for producing a video image from said array, and
- a two-dimensional array of radiation concentrators positioned between said detector array and a source of infrared energy, said concentrators being positioned in spaced relation to said detector array for directing virtually all incident infrared energy onto said detectors while preventing substantially any infrared energy from being incident between said detectors, said concentrators having an optical gain of at least 2.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.