Imaging devices and systems

摘要

In a thermal-radiation imaging device a plurality of photoconductive detector elements are present on a common substrate. Each detector element comprises a semiconductor strip on which biasing-electrode means are spaced for causing a bias current predominantly of majority charge carriers to flow along each strip. The bias current supports an ambipolar drift of radiation-generated charge carriers in the opposite direction. Readout means for detecting these carriers comprises a connection protruding from one side of the strip. A recess extends across part of the width of the strip at the side opposite the readout connection. The readout connection of one strip extends into the recess of an adjacent strip so that a compact, closely-spaced and substantially aligned arrangement of the parallel detector elements can be obtained. Advantageous readout characteristics can also result from the narrowing of the drift path by the recess which constricts the bias current and increases the electric field in the readout area. An increase in responsivity and a shortened effective readout length can be obtained.