IR to visible image converter - uses pyroelectric grid target with micro-duct electron multipliers between electrodes in vacuum housing

摘要

A photoelectric infra-red to visible converter consists of a vacuum housing with windows (9, 10) one window (10) being transparent to infra-red says so that an infra-red object (16) is converted into a visible image on a luminous screen (19) by a series of substantially plane parallel electrodes. The electrodes include a photo cathode (11) a grid (12) a target (13) in the form of a lamina of pyroelectric material metallised on one face (14) and having regularly spaced holes and on which is formed the infra red image of the object and a slab of microduct electron multiplier (18). A luminous e.g. ultraviolet source (15) may be used to illuminate either face of the window (10) and an electron collector may be provided.