Pixel structure having an umbrella type absorber with one or more recesses or channels sized to increase radiation absorption

A pixel structure for use in an infrared imager, comprising:

• a substrate;
• and
• a bolometer comprising:
• a transducer having a spaced apart relationship with respect to said substrate, the transducer having an electrical resistance that varies in response to changes in the temperature of the transducer, and
• an absorber having a spaced apart relationship with respect to the transducer, the absorber having a thermal connection to the transducer permitting radiation absorbed by the absorber to heat the transducer, the absorber including an absorbing layer having a thickness that is 100 Angstroms or less, the absorber further including a base layer disposed below the absorbing layer and having a thickness equal to or greater than 900 Angstroms,
• wherein the absorber has a top side defining a channel through the absorber, the channel being adapted to affect the propagation path of a portion of radiation received by the absorber such that the radiation portion is absorbed by the absorber rather than exiting the absorber.