Carbon Nanotube Bolometer Electrode Layout for Lower Contact Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing bolometer configuration, where the carbon nanotube layer is connected to only a portion of the electrode, leads to increased contact resistance and decreased detection sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A bolometer design with a first and second electrode having comb-shaped extending portions and a sensor unit with carbon nanotubes, where the sensor unit extends between the inner surfaces of these electrodes, increasing contact area and orienting carbon nanotubes in the direction of current flow to reduce contact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrode is formed to be superimposed on the carbon nanotube layer, then the electrode and carbon nanotube layer are connected, but the carbon nanotube layer may be connected to only a portion of the electrode, increasing contact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple extending portions (first extending portions and second extending portions) that are arranged in the extension direction. This segmentation allows the electrode to have multiple contact points with the carbon nanotube layer, ensuring that the carbon nanotube layer is connected to the entire electrode surface rather than only a portion, thereby reducing contact resistance and improving electrical connection reliability.
2Device complexity
If the carbon nanotube layer is connected to only a portion of the electrode, then the structure is simpler, but the contact resistance increases and detection sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure transitions from a simple single-layer configuration to a multi-layer configuration with first extending portions and second extending portions arranged in the extension direction. This dimensional change allows the electrode to wrap around or contact the carbon nanotube layer more comprehensively, ensuring full electrical connection and maintaining high detection sensitivity while managing structural complexity through systematic arrangement.
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 configuration suppresses a decrease in detection sensitivity by enhancing contact area and reducing resistance, thereby improving the bolometer's ability to detect infrared rays effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the connection portion extends in the extension direction, is provided between the plurality of first inner surfaces, and electrically connects the plurality of first inner surfaces and the sensor film
Implementation Method 2
It is widely known that bolometers are used to detect infrared rays
Implementation Method 3
a sensor including a sensor film and a connection portion... the sensor includes carbon nanotubes
Data Source
AI summary
A bolometer includes a first electrode including a plurality of first extending portions having a plurality of first inner surfaces arranged in an arrangement direction, each of the first inner surfaces extending in an extension direction intersecting the arrangement direction, a second electrode facing the first electrode while being separated from the first electrode in the extension direction, and a sensor including a sensor film and a connection portion, in which the first electrode, the sensor film, and the second electrode are arranged in order in the extension direction, the connection portion extends in the extension direction, is provided between the plurality of first inner surfaces, and electrically connects the plurality of first inner surfaces and the sensor film, and the sensor includes carbon nanotubes.