THERMAL DETECTION AND IMAGING OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

摘要

The current invention provides a method for improving the sesitivity of bolometric detection by providing improved electromagnetic power/energy absorption. In addition to its role in significantly improving the performance of conventional conducting-film bolometric detection elements, the method suggests application of plasmon resonance absorption for efficient thermal detection and imaging of far-field radiation using the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and the herein introduced Cavity Plasmone Resonance (CPR) phenomena. The latter offers detection characteristics, including good frequency sensitivity, intrinsic spatial (angular) selectivity without focusing lenses, wide tunability over both infrared and visible light domains, high responsivity and miniaturization capabiliies. As compared to SPR, the CPR- type devices offer an incresed flexibility over wide ranges of wavelengths, bandwidths, and device dimensions. Both CPR and SPR occur in metallic films, which are characterized by high thermal diffusivity essential for fast bolometric response.