US 7,923,689 B2 · Multi-band sub-wavelength IR detector having frequency selective slots and method of making the same

Abstract

In one embodiment, a multiband infrared (IR) detector array includes a metallic surface having a plurality of periodic resonant structures configured to resonantly transmit electromagnetic energy in distinct frequency bands. A plurality of pixels on the array each include at least first and second resonant structures corresponding to first and second wavelengths. For each pixel, the first and second resonant structures have an associated detector and are arranged such that essentially all of the electromagnetic energy at the first wavelength passes through the first resonant structure onto the first detector, and essentially all of the electromagnetic energy at the second wavelength passes through the second resonant structure onto the second detector. In one embodiment, the resonant structures are apertures or slots, and the IR detectors may be mercad telluride configured to absorb radiation in the 8-12 μm band. Detection of more than two wavelengths may be achieved by proper scaling. A method of forming an IR detector array is also disclosed.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A multiband infrared (IR) detector array, comprising:

a metallic surface having a plurality of periodic resonant structures, each periodic structure configured to resonantly transmit electromagnetic energy in a distinct frequency band;
and
a plurality of pixels each comprising two differently sized resonant slots corresponding to first and second wavelengths, respectively,
wherein, for each pixel, the two differently sized resonant slots have respective first and second detectors associated therewith,
wherein the two differently sized resonant slots are arranged such that essentially all of the electromagnetic energy at the first wavelength passes through a first one of the two differently sized resonant slots onto the first detector and essentially all of the electromagnetic energy at the second wavelength passes through a second one of the two differently sized resonant slots onto the second detector,
wherein the first and second detectors comprise mercad telluride.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-band sub-wavelength IR detector having frequency selective slots and method of making the same

Life of this patent

Multi-band sub-wavelength IR detector having frequency selective slots and method of making the same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15