Tunable finesse infrared cavity thermal detectors
US7968846B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J2005/583
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A cavity thermal detector assembly is presented that allows both tunable narrowband and broadband operation. This allows for high light efficiency, low thermal time constant, and flexibility in designing the optical path. The thermal detector/filter layers are part of the top mirror or mirrors of a Gires-Tournois-type optical cavity and provide absorption and reflection that can be adjusted to the desired width and position of the detected band. Tuning, if desired, can be achieved by applying micromechanical methods. Broadband operation may be achieved by bringing the sensor close to the bottom mirror. In this mode, the sensor or its supports may or may not touch over a small area.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.