AC-DC thermal converter with IR-transmissive fiber coupling

Single heater thermal converters and dual heater isothermal converters are realized by depositing thin-film heaters on thin dielectric membranes on a silicon chip and by remotely sensing their temperature with radiation sensors through infrared transmissive fibers. This reduces diversion of heat from the heaters as well as minimizing heater signal coupling to the sensors. The use of infrared transmissive fibers to couple the thermal energy from the heater to the radiation sensor, permits sensing the temperature directly above the heater. Distributed fibers permit collection of the radiation from the entire surface of the heater, and to design the heater for optimum frequency response.