Electro-Optics Handbook, Second Edition
Developed by a towering figure in the field, this valuable, all-inclusive guide thoroughly explains and discusses the use of optical devices and light in electronics systems.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Electro-Optics Handbook, Second Edition
Chapter 17: INFRARED DETECTORS
Suzanne C. Stotlar
17.1 INTRODUCTION
The physical universe is made up of objects with temperatures greater than absolute zero, which means that the atoms and molecules of an object are in motion. These motions result in interactions with other atoms and molecules (via bonds and collisions). Therefore, these elementary particles are subject to accelerations which result in electromagnetic radiation.
Radiometry is the science of measurement of the electromagnetic spectrum. This chapter discusses those detectors which provide a response to that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum which is not visible to the human eye because the energy of the photon is too low to elicit a response. The lower energy results in a longer wavelength. This region of the spectrum is called infrared (ir). Light of 700 to 3000 nm is generally called near infrared and longer than 20 m (20,000 nm) to 1000 m is called far infrared. There are many detector types for the infrared region. No one type has a response broad enough to cover the entire region without modification, although pyroelectric detectors and thermopiles come close. This chapter is a companion to Chap. 16. This review of ir detectors cannot be comprehensive, but addresses those currently most important by application and availability.
Performance Parameters
Terminology and performance parameters common to ir detectors are the same as those for visible detectors. Section 16.1.1 reviews those most commonly used.
17.2 PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM
Infrared film is similar to visible film and plates. Infrared emulsions respond to visible...
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