A Low Cost, High-Performance Multi-Spectral Imager

Multispectral imaging has become a valuable tool in tactical imaging scenarios due to the ability to expose camouflage, identify airborne toxins and fuel plumes, and the ability to provide night vision through the use of infrared imaging. Micro-bolometer arrays work well in these situations by creating a single sensor which is sensitive from the visible to long wave IR imaging regions. The microbolometer works well in an uncooled environment, eliminating the need for cryogenics. Most of the problems with existing microbolometer arrays is tied to the fact that the signal to be recovered consists of a constant bias current with an extremely small fluctuation riding on top of it. Sophisticated CMOS processing circuitry must be included at each pixel of the microbolometer array to sense this small signal. SMD proposes a new type of microbolometer array which simultaneously increases sensitivity while decreasing fabrication complexity. In addition to providing tactical imaging systems with the ability to see through camouflage, identify gas discharges and track jet exhaust, the new multispectral imaging systems will open new markets in a variety of commercial arenas. Combustion research, remote monitoring of earth resources and medical microscopy are but a few of the thriving new markets seeking a solution of this type.