Bolometer pixel trigger

US10890492B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Raytheon Company · US

Inventors

• Matthew C. Thomas · Carpinteria, US
• Craig R. Adams · San Diego, US
• Ryan Boesch · Louisville, US
• Jamal I. Mustafa · Goleta, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 12, 2019
• Grant date: Jan 12, 2021
• Expiry date: Jun 12, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01J2005/202
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A bolometer pixel trigger array includes a substrate, an electrically conductive contact pad formed on the substrate, and bolometer formed on the substrate. The bolometer includes at least one thermally conductive trigger arm having a fixed end coupled to a portion of the bolometer and an electrically conductive free end configured to deflect with respect to the fixed end. At least one trigger arm establishes different operating states of the bolometer pixel trigger in response to the at least one trigger arm realizing different temperatures. The different operating states are configured to change an electrical connection between the at least one trigger arm and the contact pad.