Infrared-to-Millimeter, Broadband, Solid State Bolometer Detectors

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Optical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Broadband thermal detectors are crucial for various applications, including spectroscopy and remote sensing.
• Existing detectors often require cryogenic cooling or lack amenability to absolute calibration.
• There is a need for robust, room-temperature operating thermal detectors with high sensitivity and broad spectral response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize two novel versions of a thermal detector.
• To achieve broadband response across the near-infrared to millimeter wave spectrum.
• To ensure room-temperature operation, solid-state construction, and absolute calibration capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a flake thermistor as the temperature sensing element.
• Integrated an optimized radiation absorber with the thermistor.
• Developed two versions: a sensitive detector and a power-measuring bolometer.

Main Results:

• Achieved broadband response from near-infrared to millimeter waves.
• The sensitive detector version demonstrated a noise equivalent power (NEP) of approximately 7 x 10(-10) W/Hz((1/2)) with a 6 ms time constant.
• The power measuring bolometer version exhibited a sensitivity of about 10(-8) W with a 3-second time constant.

Conclusions:

• Successfully developed room-temperature, solid-state thermal detectors with broadband capabilities.
• The detectors are amenable to absolute calibration, offering versatility for scientific measurements.
• The characterized performance metrics indicate suitability for demanding applications requiring sensitive and reliable thermal detection.