Thermal Detection Element With Separated Infrared Absorbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal detection elements struggle with accurate detection of infrared rays.
Innovation Solution
A thermal detection element comprising a substrate with multiple thermal detectors, each including a first electrode, a second electrode, a thermoelectric converter, and an absorber that absorbs infrared rays and generates heat, with the absorbers being separated from each other to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If absorbers in adjacent thermal detectors are close together, then integration density is increased, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to thermal interference between adjacent detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber is divided into multiple separate absorbers within each thermal detector, and these separate absorbers are spatially distributed to minimize thermal coupling. This segmentation allows high integration density while maintaining detection accuracy by reducing thermal interference between adjacent detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating film is introduced as an intermediary layer between adjacent thermal detectors to block thermal conduction. This mediator prevents thermal interference between detectors while allowing the absorbers to be positioned closely together, thus maintaining both high integration density and detection accuracy.
2Use of energy by moving object
If absorbers are made larger to improve absorption efficiency, then infrared ray absorption is enhanced, but thermal diffusion to adjacent detectors increases, reducing detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
Each thermal detector is equipped with multiple separate absorbers that are locally optimized for infrared absorption. The absorbers are positioned and sized to maximize absorption efficiency while minimizing thermal diffusion to adjacent detectors, creating local quality variations that optimize both absorption and detection accuracy.
3Device complexity
If thermal detectors are arranged closer together to increase integration density, then device complexity is reduced, but thermal crosstalk between detectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating film is positioned between adjacent thermal detectors to act as a thermal barrier. This intermediary allows detectors to be arranged closely together for high integration density while the insulating film prevents thermal crosstalk, maintaining detection accuracy and reliability.
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 configuration allows for high-accuracy detection of infrared rays by generating a measurable electromotive force through the thermoelectric effect, enabling precise infrared ray detection.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber that is disposed on the first electrode, and absorbs infrared rays and generates heat
Implementation Method 2
a thermoelectric converter disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal detection element according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a substrate and a plurality of thermal detectors. Each of the plurality of thermal detectors is disposed on the substrate. Each of the plurality of thermal detectors includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the substrate, a thermoelectric converter disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an absorber that is disposed on the first electrode, and absorbs infrared rays and generates heat. The absorber included in each of the plurality of thermal detectors is configured to be separated from the absorber of another one of the thermal detectors.