Infrared imaging assembly

Abstract

An infrared imaging assembly (1) comprising an infrared beam deflection unit (4) and an infrared image sensor (2), the infrared image sensor (2) comprising a plurality of pixels (3), where the infrared beam deflection unit (4) and the infrared image sensor (2) are arranged along a beam axis (6), and where the deflection unit (4) comprises a window (5), the window (5) can be installed obliquely around a first oblique axis (7), and the first oblique axis (7) is located in the plane of the window. And wherein the window (5) is configured to deflect an infrared beam (9) propagating along the infrared beam axis (6) through the window (5) onto the image sensor by part of the pixel (3) size and as a function of a tilt angle that is tilted about the first tilt axis (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an infrared imaging component. Background Technology

[0002] Infrared imaging components are typically used to capture and visualize infrared radiation invisible to the human eye. This is usually achieved by using sensors capable of detecting the heat emitted by an object and converting it into an image representation. These infrared imaging components can consist of several parts, including an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor detects the infrared radiation emitted by an object and converts it into an electrical signal. Optical elements focus the infrared radiation onto the sensor, and electronic units process the signal and convert it into a visual representation.

[0003] For infrared imaging components, achieving high spatial resolution of the captured infrared data is desirable, which is typically achieved by providing infrared sensors with high spatial resolution. Simultaneously, it is necessary to reduce the size of the infrared image sensor. However, these goals and their realization are contradictory and can only be achieved through significant technological investment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of this invention is to provide an infrared imaging assembly that allows for the capture of infrared data with comparable quality, typically achieved by sensors with high spatial resolution, while maintaining a small size.

[0005] This objective is achieved by the infrared imaging sensor according to claim 1 and the infrared beam deflection unit according to claim 23. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] According to the present invention, an infrared imaging assembly includes an infrared beam deflection unit and an infrared image sensor including a plurality of pixels, wherein the infrared beam deflection unit and the infrared image sensor are arranged along a beam axis, and wherein the deflection unit includes a window that is tiltably mounted about at least a first tilt axis, and wherein the window is configured to deflect an infrared beam propagating through the window along the infrared beam axis onto the image sensor as a portion of the pixel size and as a function of the tilt angle of the window about the first tilt axis.

[0007] One advantage of this invention is that, by means of an infrared imaging component, data with high spatial resolution can be obtained without increasing the physical resolution and size of the infrared image sensor.

[0008] According to the present invention, the term "spatial resolution" can be understood as the level of detail or minimum resolvable feature that an infrared image sensor can capture. In other words, it is a measure of the sensor's ability to distinguish adjacent objects or details in an image. Therefore, spatial resolution describes the sensor's ability to resolve fine details and spatially distinguish different objects or structures within an image.

[0009] As described above, the infrared image sensor comprises a plurality of pixels, which can be arranged in one or more rows to define a pixel matrix. The term "pixel" preferably refers to the smallest sensing unit of the sensor, at least the size of each pixel and the distance between them determine the physical sensor resolution.

[0010] A deflection unit is a device by which an infrared beam passing through it can be deflected onto an infrared image sensor when tilted. Specifically, the size of the window and the distance between the window and the infrared image sensor are chosen such that the window is tilted about a first tilt axis, resulting in the displacement of the beam on the infrared image sensor being less than the dimension of a pixel on its surface along the direction of the infrared beam displacement.

[0011] Displacement of the infrared beam can cause a shift in the spot formed by the projection of the infrared beam onto the image sensor surface, such that the spot can be partially redirected from one sensor pixel to an adjacent pixel. Specifically, each pixel contains slightly different information from one another. In low-resolution approximations, the information in the sub-image appears identical. However, by evaluating the signals of adjacent pixels, the resolution of the image sensor is improved.

[0012] Specifically, the window comprises two optical surfaces, preferably facing away from each other, with the first surface facing the infrared image sensor and the second surface facing away from the infrared image sensor.

[0013] Preferably, in at least one state of the window, particularly in the non-tilted state, the main extension plane of the window is substantially parallel to the infrared image sensor.

[0014] The infrared imaging assembly may also include an actuator designed to tilt the window about a first tilt axis between at least two tilt positions at a certain cyclic frequency. The cyclic frequency can be considered as a frequency that defines the number of times the tilt position changes within a predetermined time period, or the number of all possible tilt position changes within a predetermined time period.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the window is designed to have a transmittance of more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, and particularly preferably more than 95% in the wavelength range of 8µm to 14µm.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the window is designed to have a transmittance of more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, and particularly preferably more than 95% in the wavelength range of 0.75 to 2.5 µm.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the window is designed to have a transmittance of more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, and particularly preferably more than 95% in the wavelength range of 2 to 6 µm.

[0018] Studies have shown that the aforementioned wavelength ranges can be advantageous for various applications of infrared imaging components, and achieving the ranges of 8µm to 14µm, or 0.75µm to 2.5µm, or 0.75µm to 2.5µm offers advantages in terms of window manufacturing and material costs. However, within the scope of this invention, the window can be designed to cover the entire range of 0.75µm to 14µm or a portion thereof, and have a transmittance of more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, and particularly more than 95%.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the window is made of a material including germanium, silicon, or gallium arsenide, or substantially made of germanium, silicon, or gallium arsenide.

[0020] By using a window made of a material comprising germanium, silicon, gallium arsenide, or primarily composed of germanium, silicon, or gallium arsenide, the device or system can utilize the specific properties of these materials. In particular, the applicant's research demonstrates that the aforementioned materials exhibit good transmittance to infrared radiation.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, each pixel has a size of 10 to 20 µm. Preferably, the deflection unit is configured to deflect the infrared beam by 0.2 to 0.8 times the pixel size.

[0022] It has been demonstrated that the aforementioned proportional relationship between pixel size and / or the infrared beam displacement to be achieved is particularly advantageous for realizing high overall resolution of infrared imaging components when the physical resolution of infrared image sensors is relatively low.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the window comprises a material with a refractive index greater than 1.6, particularly greater than 2.0, and preferably greater than 3.0.

[0024] The aforementioned advantageous further improvement is based on the understanding that if the window is made of a high refractive index material, the tilt angle of the window about the first axis can be relatively small to achieve the required displacement of the infrared beam on the surface of the infrared image sensor. In actual testing, a refractive index greater than 1.6 has proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the first optical surface of the window and the second optical surface of the window are spaced apart from each other by at least 2.5 mm, particularly 3.0 mm, and preferably 5 mm.

[0026] The above embodiments are based on the understanding that the thickness of the window can positively influence how much the window needs to be tilted around the first tilt axis to cause the infrared beam to produce the required displacement on the surface of the infrared image sensor. In particular, compared to a relatively thin window, an increased window thickness requires a smaller tilt angle to cause the infrared beam to produce the required displacement.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the first optical surface and / or the second optical surface are coated with an anti-reflective coating configured to have a reflectivity of less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, and most preferably less than 5% in a wavelength range of 8 to 14 µm, or 0.75 to 2.5 µm, or 2 to 6 µm. In particular, the anti-reflective coating is chosen to prevent reflection of infrared radiation.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the image sensor includes pixel rows and a plurality of additional pixel columns, the plurality of additional pixel columns being arranged at an angle greater than 45° and less than 135° relative to the orientation of the pixel rows. The term "a plurality of additional pixel columns" can be understood to mean that the number of columns is at least 50% and at most 200% of the number of pixels in the pixel rows.

[0029] The above embodiments relate to image sensors that include a plurality of pixels extending in a sensor plane. In a simple embodiment, columns are arranged at an angle of approximately 90° relative to rows of pixels. However, this embodiment is not limited to this arrangement. Therefore, according to another embodiment, columns are aligned parallel to each other, but at an angle ranging from 45° to 135°. The range of this embodiment also includes columns that are not parallel to each other and have different angles relative to rows of pixels within the range described above.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, the window is tiltable about a second tilt axis located in the plane of the window, and the window deflects the infrared beam at an angle greater than 45° and less than 135° relative to the direction of the pixel row, by a portion of the pixel size.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the deflection unit is configured to have a cycling frequency of 5 to 50 Hz, preferably 10 to 40 Hz. In one embodiment, where the window tilts only about a first tilt axis, the cycling frequency defines the number of positional changes of the window between a first tilt position and a second tilt position about the first tilt axis. In another embodiment, where the window tilts about both the first and second tilt axes, a total of four tilt positions can be provided for the window. Here, the cycling frequency defines the number of positional changes between the four tilt positions per second.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the infrared imaging component has an operating state in which the deflection unit does not perform time-dependent deflection and the image sensor is in an imaging state.

[0033] According to the above embodiment, the infrared image sensor is operated only when the window is stationary in one of its tilted positions about the first and / or second tilt axis. In other words, the operation of the infrared imaging component is discrete, particularly discontinuous. Preferably, the image sensor generates multiple images while the deflection unit is stationary. The term "multiple images" can be understood as two to ten images.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the infrared imaging assembly includes an actuator. Generally, the invention is not limited to a specific type of actuator. Therefore, the actuator can be a magnetically based actuator, particularly an electromagnetic actuator, a shape memory alloy-based actuator, or a piezoelectric-based actuator.

[0035] The magnetically based actuator may include a coil and a magnet, wherein the magnet is mechanically coupled to a window, and the coil is mechanically coupled to a component of the infrared imaging assembly fixed relative to the window. Preferably, the coil and magnet are arranged such that when current flows through the coil, a magnetic force is generated that interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet and forces the window to tilt about a first and / or second tilt axis. Preferably, the infrared imaging assembly includes a plurality of magnets and a plurality of coils, particularly two, three, or four magnets and four four coils.

[0036] In particular, the coil can be arranged so that its back faces the infrared imaging sensor. This is advantageous because the current flowing through the coil may generate heat, thereby interfering with the operation of the infrared image sensor. However, by arranging the coil with its back facing the infrared imaging sensor, such interference can be avoided. In a preferred embodiment, the infrared imaging assembly includes a heat shield located between the deflection unit and the image sensor. Preferably, the actuator is located on the side of the deflection unit facing away from the infrared image sensor.

[0037] Preferably, the infrared imaging assembly includes a control unit configured to control a deflection unit, particularly by providing signals and / or electrical energy to one or more actuators. Specifically, the control unit can be configured to control an infrared image sensor, particularly as a function of the window tilt position, especially to achieve the discrete operation described herein.

[0038] Preferably, the deflection unit includes a control element that is connected to the control unit at least via a signal connection. The control element preferably includes at least one switch configured to switch the control unit between at least two functional states, such as turning the deflection unit on and off.

[0039] One advantage of the aforementioned control unit is that the infrared imaging component can operate in different modes, for example, by setting different deflection characteristics for the deflection unit, such as deflection amplitude and / or frequency. This, for instance, allows for consideration of the scanning frequency of the infrared sensor or its pixel size.

[0040] A switch can also be used to turn the deflection unit on and off. This allows the infrared imaging assembly to operate with or without infrared beam deflection. In the off state, the infrared beam deflection unit does not move, so the infrared beam is not adjusted. This is particularly advantageous for the use of the infrared beam deflection unit in infrared imaging assemblies that require different resolutions, such as depending on the application. Preferred embodiments are not limited to a particular type of control element or its switch, and may be mechanical in nature. In particular, the deflection unit can be turned off if the object to be detected by the infrared imaging assembly is moving relative to the imaging assembly or at least its infrared sensor at a certain speed. The applicant's research suggests that adjusting the deflection unit here may be advantageous to avoid undesirable blurring effects.

[0041] Preferably, the infrared imaging assembly includes a cooling system that is at least thermally connected to the deflection unit. The cooling system may include passive components such as cooling fins that are thermally coupled to the deflection unit and designed to cool it. Alternatively, the cooling system may include active components, such as a fluid system with a circulating coolant, which may be thermally coupled to the deflection unit and is preferably controlled by a control unit.

[0042] Preferably, the window is held by a frame. The window may have a square or rectangular geometry in its extending plane. The frame may hold the window at least in the corner areas and / or edges, and is preferably mounted to the housing of the infrared imaging assembly such that the window can be tilted about a first and / or second tilt axis. In particular, the frame is mounted by at least one, preferably multiple, spring elements designed to provide rotational freedom about the first and / or second tilt axis. The spring elements may be at least partially planar sheet metal elements.

[0043] In one embodiment, the actuator is a shape memory alloy actuator, and the element mechanically connected to the frame can be made of shape memory alloy, the geometry of which depends on the temperature of the shape memory alloy, and can be configured as a function of the current passing through the element.

[0044] In one embodiment, the actuator is a piezoelectric-based actuator, and the piezoelectric element can be attached to the frame. By applying a voltage to the piezoelectric-based actuator, a driving force can be applied to the frame, resulting in tilting motion about a first and / or second tilt axis.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the deflection unit includes a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can be used to detect the ambient temperature of the deflection unit or the entire infrared imaging assembly. This is advantageous because the temperature data can be used to compensate for temperature-related drift of the infrared image sensor and / or the window and / or the deflection unit.

[0046] As described above, the object of the present invention is also achieved by an infrared beam deflection unit. According to the present invention, the infrared beam deflection unit includes a window that can be tilted about a first tilt axis located in the plane of the window, and wherein the window is configured to laterally deflect an infrared beam passing through the window along the infrared beam axis as a function of a tilt angle about the first tilt axis.

[0047] In particular, the aforementioned infrared beam deflection unit is suitable for use in the infrared imaging assembly of the present invention or its preferred embodiments. Therefore, the relevant descriptions of the advantages of the infrared beam deflection unit described herein are applicable accordingly.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the infrared beam deflection unit includes at least one actuator and a control unit, the control unit being configured to control the deflection unit, particularly by providing signals and / or electrical energy to the actuator, and wherein the deflection unit further includes a control element, the control element being connected to the control unit at least via a signal connection.

[0049] The control unit of the type described above can be used to control the actuator and supply it with electrical power to achieve a desired adjustment of the window. In particular, the operation of the infrared beam deflection unit can be controlled based on operator input to the control element, for example, by specifying how the desired infrared beam deflection unit movement should be generated. Preferably, the tilt amplitude or tilt frequency of the deflection movement can be set.

[0050] Preferably, the control element includes at least one switch configured to set the control unit between at least two functional states, particularly turning the deflection unit on and off.

[0051] The above-described embodiments of the infrared beam deflection unit particularly improve the operation of the infrared imaging assembly because the function of the infrared beam deflection unit can be adjusted between multiple predefined functional states. For example, the first functional state may be characterized by a first frequency and / or deflection amplitude, the second functional state may be characterized by a second frequency and / or deflection amplitude, and the functional state can be changed as needed via a switch.

[0052] In particular, the switch can be used to turn the infrared beam deflection unit on and off as needed. In the off state, the infrared beam deflection unit does not move, so the infrared beam is not adjusted. Specifically, the window of the deflection unit is not tilted relative to a reference position. This is particularly advantageous for the use of the infrared beam deflection unit in infrared imaging components that require different resolutions (e.g., depending on the application). In other words, the deflection unit can be turned off when low resolution is sufficient; it can be turned on when higher resolution is required. Specifically, the deflection unit can be turned off if the object being measured moves relative to the imaging component or at least its infrared sensor at a certain speed, or vice versa. The applicant's research suggests that adjusting the deflection unit here may be advantageous to avoid undesirable blurring effects.

[0053] Furthermore, the use of control elements (especially switches) facilitates the integration of the infrared beam deflection unit into existing devices with infrared sensors, as the infrared beam deflection unit can be adapted to the operation of the infrared sensor as needed. Additionally, as mentioned above, the infrared sensor can also operate without the infrared beam deflection unit if required. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 Two states of the infrared imaging assembly are shown schematically in side views, a) and b). Figure 2 The infrared beam deflection unit is shown in the first stereoscopic view; Figure 3 The infrared beam deflection unit is shown in the second stereoscopic view; Figure 4 The infrared beam deflection unit is shown in a side view; Figure 5 The infrared beam deflection unit is shown in a top view; Figure 6 An infrared beam deflection unit with a control unit is shown.

[0055] Figure label: To better understand, the following is... Figures 1 to 5 The reference marks used are explained below: Detailed Implementation Infrared imaging components are typically used to capture and display infrared radiation invisible to the human eye. This is achieved by utilizing infrared image sensors that can detect the heat emitted by an object and convert it into a visible image. The role of an infrared sensor is to detect the infrared radiation emitted by an object and convert it into an electrical signal.

[0056] For infrared imaging components, the goal is to achieve high spatial resolution in infrared sensors. Simultaneously, it's necessary to reduce the size of the infrared image sensor. However, these goals are contradictory, as reducing the size of infrared imaging sensors requires significant technological investment, while ensuring high spatial resolution also becomes challenging.

[0057] like Figure 1 The schematically illustrated infrared imaging assembly 1 achieves an artificial enhancement of the spatial resolution of the infrared image sensor. This is achieved by deflecting the incident infrared beam using a window-shaped transmission element, thereby moving it across the surface of the imaging sensor. Consequently, the infrared beam, particularly the spot corresponding to the projection of the infrared beam onto the sensor surface, is displaced between the sensor's sensing elements, thus increasing the sensor's sensitivity.

[0058] Figure 1 View a) shows the infrared imaging assembly 1 in its infrared imaging assembly 1 state, where the infrared beam is not deflected. Figure 1 View b) shows the same infrared imaging component 1 as view a), but with the infrared beam deflected.

[0059] The infrared imaging component 1 includes an infrared image sensor 2 with multiple pixels 3. Each pixel 3... Figure 1 The image plane has a basic square shape. The side length of pixel 3 is 10µm, but it can also reach 20µm.

[0060] The pixels 3 of sensor 2 are arranged in a matrix, with multiple rows arranged in a substantially parallel manner. One of the rows is... Figure 1 View a) is shown in cross-section form.

[0061] In addition, the infrared imaging component 1 includes a deflection unit, details of which can be found in [link to documentation]. Figures 2 to 5 And includes window 5.

[0062] The infrared image sensor 2 and the window 5 are arranged along the beam axis 6, which corresponds to the axis along which the infrared beam 9 passes through the window 5 and strikes the pixel 3 of the sensor 2.

[0063] The window 5 can be tilted about a first tilt axis 7 and a second tilt axis 8, which are perpendicular to each other, and defines a plane perpendicular to the beam axis 6 in at least one state of the infrared imaging assembly 1.

[0064] according to Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the window is made of a material including germanium. Alternatively, the material may also include silicon or gallium arsenide, or be substantially composed of germanium, silicon, and gallium arsenide. Furthermore, window 5 has a transmittance of over 80% in the wavelength range of 8 to 14 µm. Alternatively, window 5 may have a transmittance of over 95% in the wavelength range of 0.75 to 14 µm. The refractive index of the window is greater than 1.6.

[0065] Furthermore, window 5 includes a first optical surface 10 and a second optical surface 11 facing away from each other. Both surfaces are coated with an anti-reflective coating configured to have a reflectivity of less than 20%, but less than 5% in the wavelength ranges of 8 to 14 µm, 0.75 to 2.5 µm, or 2 to 6 µm.

[0066] Window 5 has a width of 12 and a thickness of 13, and is arranged at a distance of 14 from image sensor 2. The thickness 13 is 2.5 mm, but can also be 5 mm.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown in view b), the infrared beam is deflected by a displacement ∆y by tilting window 5 about the first axis 7. The selected dimensions 12, 13, and 14 make the displacement ∆y of the infrared beam 9 correspond to a portion of the pixel size, which is 0.5 times the pixel size in this case.

[0068] The tilt of window 5 can be made around the first tilt axis 7 and the second tilt axis 8, therefore the displacement ∆y can be parallel to... Figure 1 The image plane can also be perpendicular to... Figure 1 The image plane.

[0069] like Figures 2 to 5 In detail, the infrared imaging assembly 1 includes an operating state in which the window 5 is in a stationary state and the image sensor 2 is in an imaging state. In other words, the infrared imaging assembly 1 operates in a discrete operating mode, wherein the image sensor generates one or more images while the window 5 is stationary. Figures 2 to 5 In detail, the infrared imaging assembly 1 includes an actuator designed to tilt the window 5 about a first tilt axis 7 and / or a second tilt axis 8 between at least two tilt positions at a cycle frequency of 5 to 50 Hz.

[0070] Figure 2 The deflection unit 4 is shown, which includes window 5 and is designed to implement according to Figure 1 The described window movement.

[0071] The deflection unit 4 includes a base 15, which is designed as a printed circuit board (PCB) to provide mechanical stability for the deflection unit 4 and to house and interconnect electrical components necessary for the operation of the deflection unit.

[0072] Furthermore, the deflection unit 4 includes a frame 16 that holds the window 5 and is mounted to the base 15 via a spring element 17. The spring element is designed and arranged such that the window 5 can be adjusted according to... Figure 1 Inclined about the first inclined axis 7 and the second inclined axis 8.

[0073] Deflection unit 4 also includes four electromagnetic actuators, each comprising a coil 18 and a magnet (see Figure 3 ).

[0074] Coils 18 are designed as part of the PCB, each connected to a power supply (not shown). By supplying current to the coils 18, a magnetic field is generated. A magnet is attached to the frame 16, causing the magnetic field generated by the coils 18 to interact with the magnetic field of the magnet. This results in the frame 16 and window 5 tilting about a first tilt axis 7 and / or a second tilt axis 8.

[0075] The deflection unit 4 also includes a control unit (not shown) which is connected to a power source and controls the tilting motion of the frame 16 and the window 5 according to the current passing through the coil 18.

[0076] Since the current flowing through coil 18 generates heat, deflection unit 4 can be arranged such that frame 16 is positioned between infrared image sensor and base 15. Alternatively, a heat insulation element (not shown) can be provided between coil 18 and infrared image sensor.

[0077] Figure 3 Deflection unit 4 is shown in another 3D view. Regarding... Figure 2 The corresponding explanation applies.

[0078] Figure 4 The deflection unit 4 is shown in a side view. (Except for...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 Apart from the description, the magnet 19 attached to the frame 16 can be seen.

[0079] Figure 5 The deflection unit 4 is shown in top view. About Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The corresponding explanation applies.

[0080] Figure 6 The deflection unit 4 is shown, which includes the components described above. Figures 1 to 5 The deflection unit 4 shown is the same component. In this respect, the above description regarding the achievable advantages applies accordingly. With Figures 1 to 5 Compared to the aforementioned deflection unit 4, Figure 6The deflection unit 4 shown is equipped with a control unit 20, which is electrically connected to four coils 18 via a connection 21. Each coil 18 is a component of an electromagnetic actuator as described above, which at least partially realizes tilting motion about tilting axes 7 and 8.

[0081] according to Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the control unit 20 is configured as a microcontroller that supplies electrical power to the coil 18 in a controlled manner to achieve the desired tilt amplitude and frequency of motion.

[0082] The control unit 20 also includes a control element 22 configured as a switch to turn the deflection unit 4 on and off. Alternatively, the switch can be configured to set two or more functional states of the deflection unit 4, which may differ in the amplitude or frequency of motion. In particular, the functional state can be selected based on the properties of the infrared image sensor. Specifically, by turning off the deflection unit 4, objects moving relative to the imaging assembly or at least its infrared sensor can be detected without undesirable blurring effects.

Claims

1. An infrared imaging assembly (1), comprising an infrared beam deflection unit (4) and an infrared image sensor (2), the infrared image sensor (2) comprising a plurality of pixels (3), wherein the infrared beam deflection unit (4) and the infrared image sensor (2) are arranged along a beam axis (6), and wherein, The deflection unit (4) includes a window (5) which is obliquely mounted about a first tilt axis (7) located in the plane of the window, and wherein the window (5) is configured to deflect an infrared beam (9) propagating through the window (5) along the infrared beam axis (6) onto the image sensor as a part of the pixel (3) size and as a function of the tilt angle about the first tilt axis (7).

2. The infrared imaging component (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The window (5) is designed to have a transmittance of more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, and particularly preferably more than 95% in the wavelength range of 8 to 14 µm.

3. The infrared imaging component (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The window (5) is designed to have a transmittance of more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, and particularly preferably more than 95% in the wavelength range of 0.75 to 2.5 µm.

4. The infrared imaging component (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The window (5) is designed to have a transmittance of more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, and particularly preferably more than 95% in the wavelength range of 2 to 6 µm.

5. The infrared imaging component (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The window is made of a material including germanium, silicon, or gallium arsenide, or is substantially made of germanium, silicon, or gallium arsenide.

6. The infrared imaging component (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the pixels (3) has a size of 10 to 20 µm.

7. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The deflection unit (4) is configured to deflect the infrared beam by 0.2 to 0.8 times the pixel size.

8. The infrared imaging component (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The window (5) comprises a material with a refractive index greater than 1.6, particularly greater than 2.0, and preferably greater than 3.

0.

9. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The window includes a first optical surface (10) and a second optical surface (11).

10. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The first optical surface (10) and the second optical surface (11) are spaced apart from each other by at least 2.5 mm, particularly 3.0 mm, preferably 5 mm.

11. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The first surface (10) and / or the second surface (11) are coated with an anti-reflective coating, the anti-reflective coating being configured to have a reflectivity of less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, and most preferably less than 5% in a wavelength range of 8 to 14 µm, or 0.75 to 2.5 µm, or 2 to 6 µm.

12. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The image sensor (2) includes a pixel row and a plurality of additional pixel columns, the plurality of additional pixel columns being arranged at an angle greater than 45° and less than 135° relative to the direction of the pixel row.

13. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein, The window (5) can be mounted obliquely about the second tilt axis (8), which is located in the plane of the window (5), and the window (5) deflects the infrared beam by an angle greater than 45° and less than 135° relative to the direction of the pixel row, with a portion of the pixel (3) size.

14. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The deflection unit (4) is configured to have a cycle frequency of 5 to 50 Hz, preferably 10 to 40 Hz.

15. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The deflection unit (4) includes an operating state in which the deflection unit (4) does not perform time-related deflection and the image sensor is in an imaging state.

16. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to at least claim 15, wherein, When the deflection unit is stationary, the image sensor generates multiple images.

17. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The deflection unit includes an actuator, and in particular a control unit (20) configured to control the deflection unit (4), particularly by providing signals and / or electrical energy to the actuator, and wherein the deflection unit (4) preferably also includes a control element (22) connected to the control unit (20) at least by a signal connection, and wherein the control element (22) particularly includes at least one switch configured to set the control unit (20) and / or the deflection unit (4) between at least two functional states, particularly for turning the deflection unit (4) on and off.

18. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The actuator is a magnetic actuator, a shape memory alloy actuator, or a piezoelectric actuator.

19. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The deflection unit includes a temperature sensor.

20. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims includes a heat insulation element located between the deflection unit (4) and the image sensor (2).

21. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims and claim 17, wherein, The actuator is located on the side of the deflection unit (2) facing away from the image sensor.

22. The infrared imaging assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims includes a cooling system thermally coupled to the deflection unit.

23. An infrared beam deflection unit (4), particularly for an infrared imaging assembly according to at least one of claims 1 to 22, having a window (5) tiltably mounted about a first tilting axis (7) located in the plane of the window (5), and wherein, The window (5) is configured to laterally deflect an infrared beam (9) passing through the window (5) along the infrared beam axis (6) as a function of an inclination angle about the first tilt axis (7).

24. The infrared beam deflection unit (4) according to claim 23, having at least one actuator and a control unit (20), the control unit (20) being configured to control the deflection unit (4), particularly by providing signals and / or electrical energy to the actuator, and wherein, The deflection unit also includes a control element (22), which is connected to the control unit (20) at least via a signal connection.

25. The infrared beam deflection unit (4) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein, The control element (22) includes at least one switch configured to switch the control unit (20) and / or the infrared beam deflection unit (4) between at least two functional states, particularly for turning the deflection unit on and off.

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