Microbolometers

Microbolometers: Fundamentals, Materials, and Recent Developments describes the fundamentals of microbolometers, their historic evolution, operational principles and material choices. It also explains the impact of materials on the processing and development of device characteristics. Sections address various aspects of optical properties and recommend models of properties of materials of interest for the fabrication of the uncooled microbolometers. In addition, the book presents two case studies, Honeywell and Texas Instruments, that focus on the design and manufacture of microbolometers. Finally, recent developments, applications, patents and future trends are presented. The chapter on patents will summarize the strengths and weaknesses of each of the technologies. “Please note that there is an error on the Dedication page, it should read: “To my sister, Math. G.Y. Premalatha, and my brother-in-law, the late Professor G.N. Yoganarasimhan, Professor of Water Resources Engineering and Management, for showing me the direction Describes the fundamentals of uncooled infrared detectors, operational principles and material approaches Includes case studies based on Honeywell and Texas Instruments’ work on microbolometers Provides analyses of current patents with a look towards their strengths and weaknesses

Introduction -- Comparison of Photon and Thermal Detectors Performance -- GaAs/AIGaAs Based Quantum Well Intra-red Photodetector Focal Plane Arrays -- GaInAs(P) Based Qwips on GaAs, InP and Si Substrates for Focal Plane Arrays -- InAs/(Galn)Sb Superlattices: A Promising Material System for Infra-red Detection -- GaSb/InAs Superlattices for Infra-red FPAs -- MCT Properties, Growth Methods and Characterization -- HgCdTe 2D Arrays -- Technology and Performance Limits -- Status of HgCdTe MBE Technology -- Silicon Infra-red Focal Plane Arrays -- PolySiGe Uncooled Microbolometers for Thermal Infra-red Detection -- Infra-red Silicon/Germanium Detectors -- Fundamentals of Spin Filtering in Ferromagnetic Metals with Application to Spin Sensors.

This is the first book to describe an emerging but already growing technology of thermal imaging based on uncooled infrared imaging arrays and systems, which are the most exciting new developments in infrared technology today. This technology is of great importance to developers and users of thermal images for military and commercial applications. The chapters, prepared by world leaders in the technology, describe not only the mainstream efforts, but also exciting new approaches and fundamental limits applicable to all. Unified approach to technology development based on fundamental limits Individual chapters written by world leaders in each technology Novel potential approaches, allowing for the reduction of costs, described in detail Descriptive and analytical Provides details of the mainstream approaches--resistive bolometric, pyroelectric/field enhanced pyroelectric, thermoelectric Provides insight into a unified approach to development of all types of thermal imaging arrays Features state-of-the-art and selected new developments

The purpose of this workshop is to spread the vast amount of information available on semiconductor physics to every possible field throughout the scientific community. As a result, the latest findings, research and discoveries can be quickly disseminated. This workshop provides all participating research groups with an excellent platform for interaction and collaboration with other members of their respective scientific community. This workshop’s technical sessions include various current and significant topics for applications and scientific developments, including • Optoelectronics • VLSI & ULSI Technology • Photovoltaics • MEMS & Sensors • Device Modeling and Simulation • High Frequency/ Power Devices • Nanotechnology and Emerging Areas • Organic Electronics • Displays and Lighting Many eminent scientists from various national and international organizations are actively participating with their latest research works and also equally supporting this mega event by joining the various organizing committees.

Infrared Detectors and technologies are very important for a wide range of applications, not only for Military but also for various civilian applications. Comparatively fast bolometers can provide large quantities of low cost devices opening up a new era in infrared technologies. This book deals with various aspects of bolometer developments. It covers bolometer material aspects, different types of bolometers, performance limitations, applications and future trends. The chapters in this book will be useful for senior researchers as well as beginning graduate students.

An up-to-date view of the various detector/emitter materials systems currently in use or being actively researched. The book is aimed at newcomers and those already working in the IR industry. It provides both an introductory text and a valuable overview of the entire field.