A device for converting a mid-wave infrared or long-wave infrared thermal image into a coherent near-infrared image includes a two-dimensional array of quantum-well-based optical modulators (500) and infrared photodetectors (100). Each modulator is integrated or hybridized with a respective photodetector, and the combination is connected to an electronic circuit. Variations in mid-IR or long-IR light intensity are converted by each photodetector into variations in a bias applied to its respective modulator. The bias variations modulate the intensity and/or phase of near-IR light illuminating the modulators.
