Terahertz camera
US7764324B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/13
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A thermal imaging device is provided for converting an image in the terahertz radiation range to the visible range. In one embodiment, the device includes a converter having a thermochromic liquid crystal layer mounted on a sapphire base. In another embodiment, the device includes a thermal absorption layer including a metal selected from the group of iron, aluminum, tin, and copper. In a further embodiment, the device has an light source shaped as an annulus for illuminating a rearward surface of the converter, configured to permit visible light rays to pass through the annulus for capture by a digital detector. In a final embodiment, the device has a thermal adjustment device for adjusting the temperature of the thermochromic liquid crystal layer to an optimal temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.