Research/Patents/US 6124593
US 6124593Tier 3 — General Defense

FAR INFRARED THERMAL IMAGING SYSTEM

Assignee

US Government

Filed as: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY

Filed

Jan 16, 1987

Granted

Sep 26, 2000

Location

FAIRFAX COUNTY VA US

Abstract

A far-infrared image is directed onto a transducer having a planar array of absorbing discs on one side. The discs are supported by a thin membrane ich expands and bulges as the discs heat up. The discs thus change their spacing with respect to a partially reflective mirror. The nominal spacing between the discs and mirror is about 1/4 wavelength of the infrared radiation, such that absorption is enhanced. The mirror is supported on a transparent substrate through which visible or near-infrared light is shown, and carries a perforated mask atop an insulating layer and in registration with the discs. The mirror/discs thus establish a Fabry-Perot cavity for the visible or near-infrared light, whereby a visible or near-infrared image may be observed or detected as the various discs establish various spacings in accordance with incremental variations in the infrared image. An electrostatic field is established between the mirror and the shield by a voltage source. This field induces an electrostatic field in the discs to pre-bias the discs toward the mirror and thus to tune or adjust the sensitivity of the transducer.

Source: Google Patents

35 USC §181 Secrecy Order

Imposed

Oct 7, 1987

Rescinded

Feb 2, 2000

Duration

12 years, 4 months

Inventor

  • 1VINCENT T. BLY

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Back to patent indexSource: USPTO 35 USC §181 secrecy order records