Infrared imaging spans a wide range of wavelengths, underlying technologies, and applications. Advancements in cost reduction and performance have the potential for opening up new markets, for both military and consumer applications. Micromachining and wafer fabrication technologies are critical for the production of infrared (IR) sensor arrays. This paper investigates ways in which micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) design experience can be applied to uncooled IR imaging in the areas of direct view and multispectral sensor technology. ยฉ 2009 Alcatel-Lucent.
the battlefield or in emergency situations. Table provides an overview of IR imaging technologies.
The applications for IR imaging have traditionally been aggressively pursued by military and homeland security organizations and have trickled down to other organizations such as search and rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement. As technologies become cheaper, a wider consumer market starts to open up including consumer security (e.g., parking lot security), sporting goods, home security, home heating/inspection markets, and automotive safety systems. For example, LWIR imaging systems have recently been offered on high-end BMW automobiles; however, the high cost of these systems still makes them a luxury option for car buyers and not profitable for the car companies.
The military continues to explore imaging systems where performance criteria are the most important factors: pixel count, sensitivity, and response time. Lower cost technologies are necessary to pursue consumer applications and would also be useful in the military arena for more widespread deployment