Sub-wavelength low-noise infrared detectors
OwnerDaniel J. Gregoire, Deborah J. Kirby +1inventors
InventorsDaniel J. Gregoire, Deborah J. Kirby, Andrew T. Hunter
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Abstract
In one of various embodiments, a detector assembly is provided which includes a metallic layer having a repeating pattern of structures over a dielectric substrate. The metallic layer in conjunction with the dielectric substrate form a structure capable of focusing incident radiation to sub-wavelength high field regions. A plurality of detectors are disposed within the dielectric substrate in the high field regions created by the metallic layer. In some embodiments, an array of subwavelength sized detectors may be located in the high field regions.
Claims8
A detector assembly comprising:
- a) a dielectric substrate;
- b) a smooth metallic layer over the dielectric substrate comprising a repeating pattern of slots, the metallic layer in conjunction with the dielectric substrate forming a structure capable of focusing incident radiation to sub-wavelength high field regions;
- and
- c) a plurality of subwavelength detectors disposed within the dielectric substrate in the high field regions created by the metallic layer, wherein the plurality of subwavelength detectors are each smaller in length than the slots and are each centered within a slot.
A detector assembly comprising:
- a) a resonant aperture comprising a slot adapted to focus incident electromagnetic radiation to produce a region having high E-field intensity;
- and
- b) a detector centered within the slot and being size limited so as to be confined within the region of high E-field intensity, the region of high E-field intensity being within about one tenth of a detection wavelength relative to the center of the slot.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.