Analysis of optimal bolometer sensitivity with linear approximation

Jin-Shown Shie; Yeong-Maw Chen; Chin-Shown Sheen

doi:10.1117/12.243032

17 June 1996 Analysis of optimal bolometer sensitivity with linear approximation

Jin-Shown Shie, Yeong-Maw Chen, Chin-Shown Sheen

Proceedings Volume 2746, Infrared Detectors and Focal Plane Arrays IV; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.243032
Event: Aerospace/Defense Sensing and Controls, 1996, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

In this report, a general analysis for optimal sensitivity of microbolometers with constant-current operation is described. Using a linear approximation of bolometer resistance with respect to temperature variation, close-form solution of the optimal condition can be obtained among a set of operational variables and device parameters, including the sensor resistance, TCR, thermal conductance and bias current or voltage. The solution is close to that calculated by the exact numerical method. It is found that, under constant-current operation, a stable (relative) maximum of the sensor responsivity can only be obtained for NTCR, bolometers. The maximum sensitivity may reach 10⁶ V/W with practical parameters considered for uncooled FPA bolometers working in vacuum. At such conditions, a thermal detector may perform a D^* value close to the BLIP condition, if it has a radiation-loss-limited feature. Also, a large-area single bolometer operated in the atmosphere may have a performance comparable to that of the present commercial pyroelectric detectors.

Citation Download Citation

Jin-Shown Shie, Yeong-Maw Chen, and Chin-Shown Sheen "Analysis of optimal bolometer sensitivity with linear approximation", Proc. SPIE 2746, Infrared Detectors and Focal Plane Arrays IV, (17 June 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.243032

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