University of Central Florida Research Foundation Inc

Julian Codreanu

Glenn D Boreman

Michael A Gritz

Francisco Javier Gonzalez

Christophe Fumeaux

A small array of antenna-coupled infrared bolometer detectors is connected in parallel. This small array is suitable as an individual area-receiving pixel of an infrared focal plane array. These pixels will have better coupling efficiency to extended sources than are possible with individual antenna-coupled sensors, which have a spatial response on the order of one wavelength in dimension. This pixel can be used to provide the advantages of antenna-coupled IR sensors (e.g., fast response, wavelength tuning, and polarization tuning) while increasing the collection efficiency of the sensors to non-laser sources. When integrated into focal plane arrays, these detectors can be used in remote-sensing systems to facilitate enhanced image recognition, feature extraction and image-clutter removal. A preferred version of the pixel forming the focal plane array antenna has a plurality of two parallel longitudinal metal antenna arms extending outward and opposite from an infrared (IR) bolometer sensor to separate parallel contact pads connected in turn to a means for receiving the output from said antenna. Application areas can include earth-resource mapping, pollution monitoring, and general surveillance.

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Newark, DE, United States of America

Julian Codreanu