Optically transitioning thermal detector structures
First Claim
1. A thermal detector element comprising an optically transitioning thermal absorption structure, the thermal detector element being configured to sense radiation falling incident thereon by measuring at least one property of the thermal absorption structure that changes value with temperature, the thermal absorption structure being provided with one or more components that comprise at least one optically transitioning material.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A thermal absorption structure of a radiation thermal detector element may include an optically transitioning material configured such that optical conductivity of the thermal absorption structure is temperature sensitive and such that the detector element absorbs radiation less efficiently as its temperature increases, thus reducing its ultimate maximum temperature.
51 Citations
34 Claims
- 1. A thermal detector element comprising an optically transitioning thermal absorption structure, the thermal detector element being configured to sense radiation falling incident thereon by measuring at least one property of the thermal absorption structure that changes value with temperature, the thermal absorption structure being provided with one or more components that comprise at least one optically transitioning material.
- 11. A focal plane array assembly, comprising a plurality of individual thermal detector elements arranged as an array, at least a portion of the plurality of individual thermal detector elements comprising an optically transitioning thermal absorption structure and being configured to sense radiation falling incident thereon by measuring at least one property of the thermal absorption structure that changes value with temperature, the thermal absorption structure being provided with one or more components that comprise at least one optically transitioning material.
- 23. A method of making a focal plane array assembly, comprising forming a plurality of individual thermal detector elements arranged as an array, each of the plurality of individual detector elements comprising an optically transitioning thermal absorption structure and being configured to sense radiation falling incident thereon by measuring at least one property of the thermal absorption structure that changes value with temperature, the thermal absorption structure being provided with one or more components that comprise at least one optically transitioning material.
Specification