Method and system for enhanced radiation detection

Abstract

A radiation detection sensor includes a radiation detector that is segmented into an array of mapping elements, or detectors. The mapping elements may be micro-disposed, such that individual mapping elements are substantially thermally isolated from each other and comprise pixels of a visual thermal energy map. The mapping elements of the radiation detector may be minimally connected to adjacent radiation detectors, or the mapping elements may be substantially physically isolated from each other.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 005,671 filed Dec. 6, 2004 entitled “Method and System for Enhanced Radiation Detection” by Jorge Roman et al. Priority of the filing date of the prior application is hereby claimed, and the disclosure of the prior application is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Field [0003] The present invention relates generally to radiation detection systems and in particular to enhanced resolution radiation detection. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Detection of radiation that is emitted from objects and is outside of the visible spectrum can provide useful information. For example, detection systems have been developed for sensing infrared radiation (IR) from an object or source in a target space. Infrared imagers, also called thermal imagers, are instruments that create images of heat instead of light, by converting radiated IR energy to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution enhances the spatial resolution and accuracy of radiation detection by minimizing thermal conduction between detectors, reducing system complexity, and eliminating the need for electrical connections, thereby improving the detection of thermal energy maps.

Problems solved by technology

The size and active area of each sensor in the array limits the spatial resolution of the imaging system.

Likewise, the need to make electrical connection to the individual detectors, for example to measure a resistance change, can increase system complexity as well as impose constraints on the minimum size for the detectors.

However, liquid crystal films suffer from poor resolution because the thermal energy “bleeds” across the film or coating.

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