U.S. Philips Corporation

Robert J Barton

David J Gowlett

An infrared detector comprises an envelope in which a detector element (3) is mounted on an end of a cold finger (1). A chemically-active getter (30) is present in the space between the cold finger (1) and the envelope window (7) and outer wall (2). In accordance with the present invention the getter comprises a porous layer (30) of chemically-active getter material deposited on an inside surface area of the outer wall (2) at a location separated from both the cold finger (1) and the window (7). The getter (30) can be activated (or re-activated) by heating through the portion of the outer wall (2) on which the getter material (30) is deposited, e.g. using a heater coil (50). Preferably the getter material (30) on the outer wall (2) extends around heat reflector, e.g. a reflective surface area of the cold finger (1). The cold finger (1) may be operated to cool the detector element (3) while heating the layer ( 30) to activate the getter.

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Southampton, United Kingdom

Robert J Barton