Absorption filters for wavelength tuning and finesse switching of long wave infrared thermal detectors

Yuyan Wang, Benjamin J. Potter, Michael Sutton, Joseph J. Talghader

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

A resonant long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) absorption filter for thermal detectors is proposed and demonstrated. The filter operates not by transmitting light like a typical Fabry-Perot, but rather by coupling light in a small wavelength region into one mirror where it dissipates and heats the thermal detector plate. The top plate, or mirror, is movable and can be continuously tuned to have a resonance from 8.7 to 11.1µm using electrostatic actuation with 0-42V applied voltage. Since LWIR features are often very course compared to those in the visible, the widths of the tuned resonances are about 1.5µm. At an actuation voltage of 45V, the filter switches into a broadband mode with an absorption width of 2.83µm to enhance sensitivity for scenes with few photons and little spectral information. The switching time between the modes is about 100µsec and the settling time about 400-700µsec. Both times are readily compatible with standard microbolometer frame times.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2006 Solid-State Sensors, Actuators, and Microsystems Workshop, Hilton Head 2006
EditorsLeland Spangler, Thomas W. Kenny
PublisherTransducer Research Foundation
Pages260-263
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)0964002469, 9780964002463
StatePublished - 2006
Event13th Solid-State Sensors, Actuators, and Microsystems Workshop, Hilton Head 2006 - Hilton Head Island, United States
Duration: Jun 4 2006Jun 8 2006

Publication series

NameTechnical Digest - Solid-State Sensors, Actuators, and Microsystems Workshop

Conference

Conference13th Solid-State Sensors, Actuators, and Microsystems Workshop, Hilton Head 2006
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHilton Head Island
Period6/4/066/8/06

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This project is supported by Microsystems Technology Office of DARP A and the Army Research Office under contract DAAD19-03-1-0343. The processing was performed at the Nanofabrication Center at the University of Minnesota, which is part of the NSF-sponsored NNIN.

Funding Information:
This project is supported by Microsystems Technology Office of DARPA and the Army Research Office under contract DAAD19-03-1-0343. The processing was performed at the Nanofabrication Center at the University of Minnesota, which is part of the NSF-sponsored NNIN.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2006 TRF.

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