Limitations to room-temperature IR imaging systems

Arthur S. Jensen

doi:10.1117/12.160555

1 November 1993 Limitations to room-temperature IR imaging systems

Arthur S. Jensen

Proceedings Volume 2020, Infrared Technology XIX; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.160555
Event: SPIE's 1993 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging, and Instrumentation, 1993, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

For an uncooled, `room temperature,' ambient temperature near 300 K, IR detector array for resolved ground targets such as vehicles, a bolometric array is superior to other types. Of the several bolometric types, the thermistor is probably the best. Large arrays (about 350 by 250 pixels) can be built using standard silicon lithographic technology. The time constant of a detector element is about 10 ms so that standard TV raster and display can be used. Though NEdT below 30 mK is attainable with detectors on 50 micrometers centers, inversely proportional to the spacing of the detectors, it is more likely that NEdT of only 40 mK will be available because of practical problems in the focal plane array design and operation. A comparison is made between MWIR photodiode and wide band bolometric detector arrays. A static noise model is developed including radiation noise both from the scene and from the detector itself (considering its heating by the bias power of the thermistor), the thermistor resistor, the bias current and the preamplifier. This model is modified to include low duty cycle pulsed bias.

Citation Download Citation

Arthur S. Jensen "Limitations to room-temperature IR imaging systems", Proc. SPIE 2020, Infrared Technology XIX, (1 November 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.160555

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available