Infrared Imager Based on a Novel Thermal-to-Visible Transducer

Science Research Laboratory (SRL) proposes to develop a novel uncooled thermal-to-visible transducer (TVT) that will revolutionize long-wavelength-infrared (LWIR) imaging. This new instrument is characterized by (1) lower power consumption and heating than existing IR bolometers; (2) immunity to image retention; (3) potential for a curved focal-plane array that can increase instrument sensitivity; (4) infrequent recalibration—a result of less heating; (5) the incorporation of standard CCD arrays, making operation vastly simpler than that of conventional IR cameras; (6) an intrinsic capability of hardening to >1000 g on all three axes; (7) excellent sensitivity (NETD 5-40 mK); (8) a revolutionarily low cost of $20-$40 for the sensor module and $300 for the camera, many times less expensive than existing instruments; (8) Potential for fusion of visible and thermal IR images, the two images being automatically registered and boresighted. In Phase II SRL will fabricate requisite structures and use them to conduct proof-of-principle demonstrations of the technology.