Project Title:

Room-temperature Thermal Detector Arrays for Remote Temperature Imaging and Other Applications.

94-1	08.01	1190	A	

Room-temperature Thermal Detector Arrays for Remote Temperature 
Imaging and Other Applications.  

Abstract:

Room-temperature thermal detector arrays are proposed which are 
based on recently developed micromachined structures. Unlike 
other micromachined sensors, each detector measures temperature 
with a thin-film thermopile, a feature that results in unique 
advantages. These include extremely linear behavior, and the 
absence of a need for biasing power, biasing lines and chopping 
of the incoming light. Sensitivity to broadband infrared 
radiation, or to a particular band, is specified by the choice of 
a thin-film absorber that is deposited on the detector. The 
arrays will find application in remote temperature imaging of 
clouds and surfaces, and their low power requirements make 
unattended operation for long periods especially feasible. HYPRES 
has fabricated and tested a prototype of the detector. In the 
Phase I program a linear array of detectors will be fabricated 
and tested. In Phase II, a two-dimensional array will be 
produced. 

The room-temperature thermal detector arrays developed for this 
project will enable inexpensive, low power, room-temperature 
infrared imaging systems. Commercial applications include night 
vision systems, inexpensive instruments for medical thermography, 
and remote temperature imagers for industrial process control.  

Key Words

HYPRES, Inc.
175 Clearbrook Road
Elmsford, New York 10523