Bolometer Assembly with Independent Lines of Sight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolometers face challenges in harsh environments, such as high temperatures and neutron flux, are costly, bulky, and have complex designs with non-separable detection foils, leading to high replacement costs and limited time resolution in infrared video bolometers.
Innovation Solution
A new bolometer assembly with an integrated collimator structure and IR detectors, allowing independent lines of sight, uses 3-D printing for flexibility and cooling, and separates detection foils for easy replacement, maintaining sensitivity and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If metal-foil bolometers are used for UV and soft X-ray radiation measurement, then sensitivity is maintained, but robustness in harsh environments (high temperatures, neutron flux) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into separate modules: conversion foils for UV/soft X-ray absorption, IR-transparent windows for thermal isolation, and IR detectors for measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and replaced independently, improving robustness while maintaining sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
An IR-transparent window acts as an intermediary between the UV/soft X-ray conversion foil and the IR detector. This mediator allows the detection system to measure the thermal radiation from the conversion foil while isolating the detector from direct exposure to harsh UV and neutron environments, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing measurement capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bolometric cameras are assembled with many bolted and welded parts, then detection functionality is achieved, but device bulkiness increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (collimator, conversion foils, IR detectors, and structural support) are merged into a single integrated 3D-printed housing. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate parts that would require bolting and welding, significantly reducing device bulkiness while maintaining all necessary detection functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing method transitions from traditional mechanical assembly (bolting, welding) to additive manufacturing (3D printing). This parameter change in fabrication technology enables complex integrated structures to be produced as single pieces, reducing device volume and eliminating assembly requirements.
3Device complexity
If detection foils and measuring circuits are integrated in known bolometers, then structural simplicity is achieved, but replacement cost and complexity increase when failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system separates the conversion foil (UV/soft X-ray absorber) from the measuring circuit (IR detector and Wheatstone bridge). This segmentation allows the conversion foil to be replaced independently when degraded, while the expensive electronic measuring circuit remains intact, significantly reducing replacement cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion foil is extracted as a separate, replaceable component from the integrated detection system. This extraction allows the consumable or degraded foil to be replaced without disturbing the permanent and expensive electronic measuring circuits, improving ease of repair.
4Area of stationary object
If a large metal foil is used in IR video bolometers for wide-angle coverage, then field of view is improved, but heat diffusion across the surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system uses multiple small conversion foils instead of one large foil. Each small foil is associated with its own IR detector and measures radiation from a specific direction. This segmentation prevents heat diffusion between adjacent detection elements, improving measurement precision while collectively providing wide-angle coverage through the array configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement principle is substituted from direct mechanical contact thermometry to optical infrared detection. IR detectors measure the thermal radiation emitted by each conversion foil without physical contact, eliminating heat diffusion interference that would occur with thermocouples or other contact-based temperature sensors placed on a large foil surface.
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
The new bolometer assembly provides robust radiation measurement in UV to soft X-ray ranges with improved sensitivity, reduced bulkiness, and lower costs, enabling efficient imaging and calibration of independent lines of sight.
Implementation Method 1
Each foil is designed to perform absorption of radiation in the UV and soft X-ray range. This leads to an increase in its temperature
Implementation Method 2
This leads to an increase in its temperature and thus to an emission of IR radiation that can be measured on its opposite face (back)
Implementation Method 3
A collimator structure allowing the entry of radiation toward a conversion unit... Each internal duct of the collimator structure forms a field of view that may each have transversal sections that progressively taper
Implementation Method 4
The collimator structure, including the walls may be made of a radiation impervious material... Cooling allows maintaining a constant temperature around the detection foils
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 1E~2B
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A bolometer assembly comprising a collimator structure (4B) having a front surface for entry of radiation into the bolometer assembly, a conversion unit (3) having a first and second opposite faces, the first face (3A) being orientated towards the said front surface, the conversion unit (3) being configured to perform absorption of radiations through the first face in the UV to soft X-ray range and, in reaction to said absorption, emit IR radiations through the second face (3B), the bolometer further comprising an IR detector unit (2) having on an imaging surface several pixels sensors, said imaging surface being directed toward the second face. The collimator structure comprises separate internal ducts (6B) each delimited by walls (6Bw) and each extending from a respective aperture in the front surface to a respective conversion surface of the conversion unit (3). These ducts define the independent lines of sight of the bolometer assembly. Each independent line of sight can be calibrated, giving the UV to IR conversion curve.