Infrared sensor technology

The introduction of uncooled microbolometer infrared (IR) technology is rapidly changing the face of IR imaging for both military and commercial users. Needs previously met with many high cost systems based upon photoconductive technology, image intensifier tubes, scanned FLIRs, or commercially available staring MWIR detectors, can now be met or surpassed with Loral Infrared and Imaging Systems (LIRIS)'s low cost uncooled products. Uncooled microbolometer technology is setting the new standard for user expectations by providing moderate performance at very low cost with low maintenance. By providing both the military and commercial markets with low cost, high performance products able to meet many imaging infrared sensor applications, new markets, users, and applications are being discovered. Much of the interest in uncooled microbridge imaging technology stems from the cost benefit to any potential user. This paper discusses the numerous technical advantages of our microbolometer technology, provides brief descriptions of the technology, the products available from LIRIS, and technology and producibility innovations that are ongoing at LIRIS.