Background

Visualization of infrared (IR) radiation is achieved by projecting an IR picture onto a sufficiently large 2D matrix of small microbolometers. Using electrical signals, outputs can be visually displayed, thus creating a pixelated image of the original IR picture. One of the issues resolved by the technology relates to the sensor material and its electrical resistance as a function of temperature.

Technology

The technology is a bolometric sensor which uses a thin film of vanadium dioxide exhibiting metal-insulator transition qualities, with an arrangement for controlling and regulating the temperature and resistance of a predetermined point, within a main hysteretic loop of the metal-insulator transition. The sensor uses an electronic readout arrangement to monitor the temperature and resistance of the sensor, thus creating a more accurate and longer lasting sensor for visualization.

Advantages

- More reliable - More accurate - More communication with user

Application

- Infrared imaging -Bolometry and bolometric sensor design - Focal plane array design