Wide Dynamic Range, Angle-Sensing, Long-Wave Infrared Detector Using Nano-Antenna Arrays

Abstract

We present a new technique for designing angle-sensing, long-wave infrared (LWIR) detectors. Angle detection in the proposed detector is achieved by measuring the ratio of the absorbed power in two closely-spaced, directive infrared antennas. Each directive LWIR antenna is in the form of a three-element Yagi-Uda array sharing a common reflector element with its neighbor. The structure of each antenna is optimized to act both as the collector of the infrared energy from the desired direction and as a distributed bolometer that senses the received radiation. The resistivity of each bolometer-antenna changes as a function of the absorbed power by the antenna. This change of resistance is sensed by biasing each antenna with a constant DC voltage and measuring the change of current passing through the antenna. Following this approach, by measuring the ratio of the resistance change in the two antennas, the angle of arrival of the LWIR signal can be determined. We present the design, fabrication, and measurement results of an angle-sensing detector optimized to operate at the wavelength of λ = 10.6 μm. The proposed detector has subwavelength dimensions occupying an aperture having dimensions of approximately 0.6 λ0 × 0.4λ0. The response of the detector was measured and shows the angle sensing dynamic range of 22 dB within the field of view of ±60°.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Feb 12, 2020
Source ID
10.1038/s41598-020-59440-2

Entities

People

  • Elham Mohammadi
  • Mohammad Ghaffari
  • Nader Behdad

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects