Status of uncooled infrared imagers

Abstract
Brassboard infrared imagers containing focal plane arrays of more than 80,000 uncooled detectors sensitive to radiation in the 8- to 14-micrometer wavelength region have been fabricated and tested. These imagers, which have demonstrated noise-equivalent temperature difference (NETD) values of 0.10 degree(s)C, do not require cryogenic cooling or mechanical scanning. Two different types of detector, one ferroelectric and the other bolometric, are used for the focal plane arrays. Measurements of NETD, minimum resolvable temperature (MRT) and modulation transfer function (MTF) are reported. Uncooled sensor technology is being incorporated into prototype security sensors and weapon sights that can also be used as handheld surveillance devices.