Direct view thermal imager

Ralph R. Reinhold

doi:10.1117/12.45336

1 July 1991 Direct view thermal imager

Ralph R. Reinhold

Proceedings Volume 1447, Charge-Coupled Devices and Solid State Optical Sensors II; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.45336
Event: Medical Imaging '91, 1991, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

This device has a number of potential applications. It may be used in a direct view mode as a thermal night sight. It may be integrated with a fiber-optic faceplate visible charge-couple device (CCD) and then used as a TV-type thermal imager. Alignment of the sensor to the CCD is not very critical. In a slightly modified version, the output image may be a spatial light modulator serving as input to an optical processor. Examples of the above implementations are given. The converter can be tailored to accept either the 3 to 5 micrometers or the 8 to 14 micrometers infrared bands. The quantum efficiency is on the order of 30, but the low noise performance and starting mode of operation readily offset this. The unique design greatly reduces the impact of structural defects. Pixel-to-pixel uniformity of the device is very good. The simple design offers a potential for high-resolution large-area imagers. The paper discusses the supporting theory and device design. The manufacturing process, the results to date, and the performance are also discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Ralph R. Reinhold "Direct view thermal imager", Proc. SPIE 1447, Charge-Coupled Devices and Solid State Optical Sensors II, (1 July 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.45336

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available