초록 ▼

Optically readable radiation-displacement conversion devices and image-rendering apparatus that incorporate same are disclosed. Also disclosed are related methods for detecting images and rendering images using such devices and apparatus. Such devices, apparatus and methods allow improved accuracy a

Optically readable radiation-displacement conversion devices and image-rendering apparatus that incorporate same are disclosed. Also disclosed are related methods for detecting images and rendering images using such devices and apparatus. Such devices, apparatus and methods allow improved accuracy and sensitivity of radiation detection without having to use a cooler. A representative conversion device includes a substrate and a suspended portion attached to the substrate via a leg portion. The conversion device includes a radiation-absorbing film that receives and absorbs and incident invisible radiation (e.g., UV, IR, or X-rays) and generates heat from the absorbed radiation. The suspended portion includes a displaceable member that exhibits a displacement with respect to the substrate. The displacement also imparts a change to an incident readout light flux in accordance with the magnitude of the displacement. The change to the readout light is detected and used to form an image.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An optically readable radiation-displacement-conversion device, comprising:(a) a substrate made of an infrared-transmitting material;(b) a suspended portion attached to the substrate so as to extend over a region of the substrate, the suspended portion comprising (i) a ra

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An optically readable radiation-displacement-conversion device, comprising:(a) a substrate made of an infrared-transmitting material;(b) a suspended portion attached to the substrate so as to extend over a region of the substrate, the suspended portion comprising (i) a radiation-absorbing region situated so as to receive an incident infrared radiation passing through the substrate, the radiation-absorbing region comprising an infrared-radiation-absorbing material that absorbs the incident infrared radiation and converts absorbed radiation into heat, and (ii) a displaceable member that exhibits a displacement relative to the substrate whenever the infrared-radiation-absorbing material absorbs an amount of the incident infrared radiation, the displacement having a magnitude that is a function of the amount of heating experienced by the radiation-absorbing region;(c) a leg portion supporting the suspended portion relative to the substrate, the leg portion being made of a single insulating material; and(d) an optically effecting portion that receives a readout light flux and that imparts a change to a characteristic of the readout light flux in accordance with the magnitude of the displacement of the displaceable member.