Title :
Uncooled infrared focal plane arrays
Author_Institution :
Infrared Technol., Edina, MN, USA
Abstract :
Uncooled infrared focal plane arrays have been developed which employ four detection mechanisms: resistive bolometric, pyroelectric, ferroelectric bolometric and thermoelectric. They find application in thermal imaging systems for night vision. Each of the four mechanisms is described. Figures of merit are defined. The fundamental limits to the performance of thermal detectors are presented. The state-of-the-art of the four types of thermal detectors is described and the role of uncooled focal plane arrays in thermal imaging systems is discussed
Keywords :
arrays; bolometers; ferroelectric devices; focal planes; image intensifiers; infrared detectors; infrared imaging; pyroelectric detectors; thermoelectric devices; detection mechanisms; ferroelectric bolometric detection; figures of merit; night vision; pyroelectric detection; resistive bolometric detection; state-of-the-art; thermal imaging systems; thermoelectric detection; uncooled focal plane arrays; uncooled infrared focal plane arrays; Bolometers; Delay; Ferroelectric materials; Infrared detectors; Layout; Optical imaging; Pyroelectricity; Temperature sensors; Thermal conductivity; Thermoelectricity;
Conference_Titel :
Applications of Ferroelectrics, 1994.ISAF '94., Proceedings of the Ninth IEEE International Symposium on
Conference_Location :
University Park, PA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-1847-1
DOI :
10.1109/ISAF.1994.522452
