Antenna-Coupled Infrared Sensors: Next-Generation Uncooled IR Focal Planes
Abstract
We report on recent advances on a completely new type of uncooled IR sensor technology, which uses ultrasmall metallic antennas to capture the radiation. By electronically changing the 30-THz current-wave distribution on the antenna structure, the polarization and wavelength responses of the IR sensor can be changed dynamically in response to a small (100 mV) control voltage. The operational advantages to seeker systems are that enhanced target discrimination is possible by means of the polarization and wavelength signatures. Furthermore, the implementation of an imaging spectrometer or polarimeter can be done directly on the IR focal plane array, without the need for external optical filter elements. This reduces the weight and power requirements of the imager system, eliminates mechanical switching mechanisms, and avoids pixel-registration-error artifacts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 23, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADP011188
Entities
People
- Glenn D. Boreman
Organizations
- University of Central Florida