Abstract:
The present invention provides an infrared sensor and an infrared sensor module having reduced noise, improved detection precision, and reduced manufacture cost. The infrared sensor includes a first substrate transmitting infrared light including at least one reduced-pressure and sealed cavity, at least one infrared sensing unit provided on the side of the first substrate, and at least one infrared sensing unit generating an output change. The infrared sensor includes a second substrate stacked on the first substrate with a recess, a reflection face capable of reflecting the infrared light, and at least one arithmetic circuit for amplifying or integrating an output, arranged in such a manner that the reflection face is sandwiched between the at least one sensing unit and the least one arithmetic circuit.
Abstract:
A MEMS-based Fourier Transform (FT) spectrometer is provided. According to an embodiment, the MEMS-based FT spectrometer is an FT infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. The FT spectrometer can include a beam splitter positioned to receive an incoming beam from a light source and split the incoming beam into a first sub-beam and a second sub-beam, a fixed mirror positioned to receive the first sub-beam from the beam splitter, a scanning MEMS mirror positioned to receive the second sub-beam from the beam splitter, and a photodetector, wherein a reflected first sub-beam from the fixed mirror and a reflected second sub-beam from the scanning MEMS mirror recombine at the beam splitter and become directed to the photodetector. According to one embodiment, the photodetector is a MEMS-based IR detector. In addition, the MEMS-based IR detector can be an un-cooled IR detector having a capacitive sensing structure.
Abstract:
A camera has an infrared (“IR”) imaging subsystem that includes an IR detector. The camera also has a first and second visual imaging subsystem for generating a first visual image and a second visual image of an object in a scene. The first visual image and the second visual image have a parallax that is dependent on the distance to the object and based on a known parallax function. The camera also has a processor for determining the parallax between the first visual image and second visual images. The IR imaging subsystem may also include an IR optical element for focusing IR radiation on the IR detector. The IR optical element may be operable to focus the IR radiation on the IR detector based on the parallax between the first visual image and the second visual image.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a bispectral detection device, particularly of an infrared radiation and a visible radiation, including a monolithic substrate; an array of bolometric micro-bridges sensitive to infrared radiation, the bolometric micro-bridges being suspended over a first face of the substrate by means of support and connection arms; and an array of photoelectric elements fowled in the substrate, and sensitive to visible radiation, the bolometric micro-bridges and the photoelectric elements being stacked. According to the invention, the substrate portion between the photoelectric element array and a second face of the substrate, opposite to the first face thereof, is thinned so that the photoelectric elements are capable of detecting a visible radiation incident on the second face.
Abstract:
A fiber optic probe having one or more photodetectors bound thereto is provided. By directly integrating thin, flexible photodetectors with an optical fiber, the probes provide a compact structure that increases throughput and decreases cost, making it practical for a clinical use. In some embodiments, the fiber optic probes are small enough for insertion into the shaft of a needle, such as a biopsy needle.
Abstract:
An infrared camera including optics and a detector sensitive to infrared radiation is used in conjunction with at least one light source, such as a laser, to locate a reference point on a target. Two intersecting line segments are produced by the one light source or a combination of two light sources to locate the reference point on the target. The infrared camera would display both an infrared image as well as a visible image which can be merged onto a single display. The teaching of the present invention could also be used to determine the distance to the target as well as the area of the target.
Abstract:
An infrared detector includes a pyroelectric element, a first amplifier, and a second amplifier. The pyroelectric element includes a first electrode formed on a first surface of a pyroelectric body, and a second electrode formed on the opposite surface. The first amplifier is connected to the first electrode, and amplifies signals induced to the first electrode. The second amplifier is connected to the second electrode, and amplifies signals induced to the second electrode.
Abstract:
A patch may be adapted for placement proximate to a surface region of a mammal. The patch may include an infrared target for receiving thermal energy from the surface region and for emitting infrared radiation according to a substantially known emissivity property. When the target is placed proximate to the surface region, the characteristics of infrared radiation emitted by the target substantially correspond to the temperature of the surface region. The patch may have means for selectively maintaining the target in a position proximate to a surface region of a mammal. The patch may include indicia uniquely associated with the patch.
Abstract:
A radiation detector includes material for absorbing incident radiation, and for providing a response to heating caused by the absorption of photons from the incident radiation. The radiation detector may include multiple pixels, each with one or more layers of absorbing material. The absorbing material may include black (microstructured) silicon, which has the advantage of being a good absorber of radiation in the short wave infrared (SWIR) wavelengths (as well as ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths and visible light wavelengths). The radiation detector may include multiple pixels, each separately responding to radiation incident on that pixel, and each including black silicon (as well as possibly other absorptive materials). The pixels of the detector may each have cantilevered attachment to a frame of the detector, with differences in coefficient of thermal expansion of materials of the pixels causing deflection of parts of the pixels due to heating from absorption of radiation.
Abstract:
A method and device are described for controlling and/or attenuating aiming laser beam brightness in a hand held radiometer. The beam from the laser is directed at a target measurement surface and a transversely movable element member is interposed between the laser and the target to change the beam brightness on the target. In a preferred device a slidable or rotatable element intercepts the beam between the laser and target and a calibrated opening in the element of selected size and/or shape allows part of the beam to pass through the element to provide a safe brightness at the target.