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High sensitivity infrared sensing apparatus and related method thereof

  • US 6,900,440 B2
  • Filed: 02/26/2001
  • Issued: 05/31/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An IR energy sensing apparatus comprising:

  • a substrate;

    an IR energy sensor member for receiving incident IR energy;

    a readout circuit operatively connected to said substrate, whereby said readout circuit being adapted for measuring level of incident IR energy received by said sensor member; and

    a levitation mechanism operatively connected to said sensor member for levitating said sensor member, said levitated sensor member having no physical or thermal contact while receiving incident IR energy, wherein;

    said levitation mechanism is energized at a first level, said levitation mechanism causes said sensor member to levitate proximately-spaced from said substrate without making physical contact with said substrate, said readout circuit, or any other structures; and

    said levitation mechanism is energized at a second level, said levitation mechanism repositions said sensor member, whereby said sensor member makes physical contact with said readout circuit so as to form a direct electrical coupling contact between said sensor member, whereby said readout circuit is capable of interrogating said sensor member.

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