Micro-Structure Enhanced MWIR/LWIR Uncooled Imager

Agiltron has developed and demonstrated fabrication capability for a new category of uncooled photomechanical IR imagers that convert infrared radiation into visible images using a conventional visible-light CMOS camera. This breakthrough thermal image technology potentially offers next generation thermal camera performance attributes of: Large Pixel Array, Uncooled Operation, High Sensitivity, Fast Response and Low Cost. Leveraging this uncooled IR image technology developed in the past 7 years and in collaboration with Prof. Rana Biswas of Iowa State University, we propose a new improvement via incorporating micro-machined photonic crystal structure. This new design will simplify the manufacture process at the same time address the critical requirements of high sensitivity and extremely large dynamic range as well as multiple band operation for may critical military and commercial applications. The proposed imager will feature simultaneous dual-band MWIR/LWIR operation, high sensitivity, large dynamic range, megapixel resolution, uncooled operation, minimized weight, volume, power, and cost. During Phase I, the feasibility of the proposed technique approach will be demonstrated. A fully functional photonic crystal enhanced dual-band MWIR/LWIR imager will be prototyped in Phase II.