초록 ▼

An antenna-coupled infrared detector with polarization tuning over approximately 90 degrees by application of a bias voltage in the range of a few hundred millivolts. This mechanism of polarization tuning eliminates the need for bulk-optical polarization filters. When integrated into focal plane arr

An antenna-coupled infrared detector with polarization tuning over approximately 90 degrees by application of a bias voltage in the range of a few hundred millivolts. This mechanism of polarization tuning eliminates the need for bulk-optical polarization filters. When integrated into focal plane arrays, these detectors can be used in remote-sensing systems to facilitate enhanced image recognition, feature extraction and image-clutter removal. A preferred version of the antenna has longitudinal metal antenna arms extending outward from an infrared(IR) sensor in a spiral pattern, polarization tuning devices connected between the antenna arms, and a voltage for controlling the polarization tuning devices, wherein the polarization tuning devices enable real-time control of current distribution in the arms. The infrared(IR) sensors can be tunnel diodes, schottky diodes, photovoltaics, photoconductors, and pyroelectrics. Application areas can include earth-resource mapping, pollution monitoring, and general surveillance.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An infrared (IR) detector antenna unit for detecting IR radiation that is compact with no-moving parts, comprising:an infrared (IR) sensor for receiving incident electromagnetic radiation;first and second antenna arms coupled to and extending from the sensor whereby electromagnetic

[ We claim:] [1.] An infrared (IR) detector antenna unit for detecting IR radiation that is compact with no-moving parts, comprising:an infrared (IR) sensor for receiving incident electromagnetic radiation;first and second antenna arms coupled to and extending from the sensor whereby electromagnetic radiation incident on said sensor induces infrared-frequency current waves to flow in said arms; and,means for applying a bias source to the sensor for polarization tuning, wherein the IR detector antenna unit has enhanced feature extraction, discrimination and clutter removal.