Blinded Infrared Detector Reference Pixels for Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared detectors within vacuum packages face challenges in measuring temperature variations, which can negatively impact image data quality due to the difficulty in isolating thermal influences from the surrounding environment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a device with a substrate and a floating or shunted blinded infrared detector, featuring a microbolometer thermally isolated from the substrate and a blocking structure to prevent external thermal radiation, along with a vacuum cavity to create a thermal isolation environment, allowing for the use of floating or shunted blinded infrared detectors to provide reference signals for correcting image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a vacuum package is used to thermally isolate the infrared detector from the surrounding environment, then thermal isolation performance is improved, but the ability to measure temperature variations within the package deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing temperature sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blocking structure with openings that serves as an intermediary element. This structure allows temperature sensors to measure temperature variations within the vacuum package while maintaining the vacuum seal and thermal isolation. The openings in the blocking structure enable sensor access without compromising the vacuum environment.
2Reliability
If the infrared detector is thermally isolated from the substrate, then detector sensitivity is improved, but temperature reference measurement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detector system into multiple functional components: the floating infrared detector for sensitivity, the substrate for structural support, and reference pixels (both floating and shunted) for temperature measurement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking structure serves multiple functions: it blocks external thermal radiation from reaching the detector, provides structural support, and enables temperature measurement through its openings. Additionally, the reference pixels serve dual purposes of temperature sensing and providing reference signals for detector calibration.
3Measurement precision
If external thermal radiation is blocked from the infrared detector, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the detector cannot distinguish between blocked radiation and actual scene radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different thermal environments for different detector regions. The blocking structure selectively blocks external thermal radiation from specific detector pixels while allowing other pixels to receive scene radiation. Reference pixels are strategically positioned to measure specific temperature components, enabling the system to distinguish between different radiation sources through differential measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively blocks external thermal radiation and allows for accurate temperature measurement within the vacuum package, enhancing the quality of infrared image data by providing correction signals for self-heating and substrate temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum cavity separating the microbolometer from the substrate
Implementation Method 2
thermally isolated from the substrate
Implementation Method 3
The first blocking structure is configured to block external thermal radiation from being received by the first microbolometer
Implementation Method 4
a first microbolometer coupled to and thermally isolated from the substrate
Implementation Method 5
The change in resistance of each infrared detector is translated into a time-multiplexed electrical signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A device is disclosed including a substrate and a floating blinded infrared detector and/or a shunted blinded infrared detector. The floating blinded infrared detector may include an infrared detector coupled to and thermally isolated from the substrate; and a blocking structure disposed above the infrared detector to block external thermal radiation from being received by the infrared detector; and wherein the blocking structure comprises a plurality of openings. The shunted blinded infrared detector may include an additional infrared detector coupled to the substrate; an additional blocking structure disposed above the infrared detector to block external thermal radiation from being received by the additional infrared detector; and a material that thermally couples the additional infrared detector to the substrate and the additional blocking structure. Methods for using and forming the device are also disclosed.