Philips Electronic and Associated Industries Ltd.

Russell J Horne

An imaging array device and staring array imaging system are described for generating signals in response to an image from a distant scene. The device comprises a plurality of discrete arrays (11) of photo-sensing elements (10), for example cadmium mercury telluride infrared detector elements. The discrete arrays (11) are arranged side-by-side to provide a large composite array. A corresponding plurality of lenses (110), preferably formed in a common body, is arranged side-by-side to provide a substantially continuous optical transmission plane which is located in front of the arrangement of discrete arrays (11) and through which the image from the scene is transmitted to the composite array of the elements (10). In the composite virtual image (FIG. 3) of the composite array as seen from in front of the arrangement of lenses (110), the center-to-center spacing D' of the elements (10a') facing each other from neighboring discrete arrays (11) appears to be approximately equal to the magnified center-to-center spacing d' of the elements (10') in these discrete arrays (11). By making various adjustments in the fabrication and arrangement of the lenses (110), the discrete arrays (11) and their elements (10), it is possible to compensate for various image distortions and other problems which can arise in such imaging systems. Other image transfer means may be used instead of lenses (110), for example wedge-shaped plates (FIG. 8) and arrays of optical fibres (FIG. 9).

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Cobham, United Kingdom

Russell J Horne