The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 24, 2009
Filed:
Dec. 03, 2007
George D. Skidmore, Richardson, TX (US);
Christopher G. Howard, Dallas, TX (US);
George D. Skidmore, Richardson, TX (US);
Christopher G. Howard, Dallas, TX (US);
DRS Sensors & Targeting Systems, Inc., Dallas, TX (US);
Abstract
A pixel structure for use in an infrared imager is provided. The pixel structure includes a substrate and a bolometer. The bolometer includes a transducer that has a spaced apart relationship with respect to the substrate and has an electrical resistance that varies in response to changes in the temperature of the transducer. The bolometer also includes an absorber that has a spaced apart relationship with respect to the transducer and has a thermal connection to the transducer permitting radiation absorbed by the absorber to heat the transducer. The absorber has a top side defining a recess or channel in the absorber. The recess or channel is adapted to effect the propagation path of a portion of radiation received by the absorber such that the radiation portion is absorbed by the absorber rather than exiting the absorber. The recess or channel also decreases the thermal mass of the bolometer.