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EP0903566A2
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EP
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Imaging system functioning on submillimeter waves
Assignee: Oxford Instruments Analytical Oy
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Filing: 1998-09-15
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2018-09-15
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to detection performed over millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths, especially to imaging solutions functioning over a submillimeter-wavelength range. The system of the invention uses detectors, comprising antenna coupled bolometers together with wavelength selective optics. The detector matrix is preferably curved for reducing the number of imaging errors. In order to provide a curved detector matrix, the detector matrix is constituted by flat submatrices, each being provided with one or more integrated antenna coupled bolometers. The detectable frequency range is preferably limited in two stages, first by means of wavelength selective optics and secondly by means of the operating band of the antenna of an antenna coupled bolometer. In order to focus the incoming radiation on bolometers, the bolometer substrate is fitted or the surface or interior of the bolometer substrate is provided with a bolometer lens or a corresponding optical element in alignment with each bolometer.
Inventors
- 👤 Arttu Luukanen
- 👤 Heikki SIPILÄ
- 👤 Veli-Pekka Viitanen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 13:19
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J3/00; G01J3/28; G01J3/2823; G01J5/00; G01J5/02; G01J5/08; G01J5/0837; G01J5/10; G01J5/20; G01S; G01S17/00; G01S17/88; G01S17/89; G01S3/00; G01S3/78; G01S3/782; G01S3/783; G01S3/784; G01V; G01V8/00; G01V8/005; G01S13/00; G01S13/88; G01S13/887
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
An imaging system, characterized by comprising more than one detector, which detectors are antenna coupled bolometers, at least one substantially flat bolometer substrate, said detectors being provided on
said at least one bolometer substrate, an optical element (110) for collecting electromagnetic radiation and for focusing
the same on said detectors, as well as at least one adaptation element for improving the coupling of the radiation directed
to said at least one bolometer substrate, to said detectors.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that said adaptation
element comprises an anti-reflection layer produced on the surface of a bolometer
substrate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that said adaptation
element comprises a wave tube matrix.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that said adaptation
element comprises a lens.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that the number of said
lenses is one per each antenna coupled bolometer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that said lens is produced
by ion implantation in a bolometer substrate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that said lens is produced
from a mixture of epoxy and powder, said powder being constituted by a material
which has a certain dielectric constant.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, characterized by being dimensioned to
detect electromagnetic radiation, having a wavelength of about 100 µm to 3 mm.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
59 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that said at least one
bolometer substrate is provided with at least antenna coupled bolometers, at least
one of said antenna coupled bolometers being dimensioned to detect
electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength range and at least one being
dimensioned to detect electromagnetic radiation of a second wavelength range.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, characterized by comprising more than two
bolometer substrates, and in that said bolometer substrates are adapted to provide a detector surface
roughly in the shape of a certain curved surface, said certain curved surface being
substantially the focal plane of said optical element (110).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that said optical element
(110) is adapted to limit the wavelength band of electromagnetic radiation applied to
the bolometer substrate.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system as set forth in claim 11, characterized in that at least one of the
surfaces of said optical element (110) is rough, the roughness of said surface being
substantially equal to a certain predetermined value.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that said optical element
(110) comprises a lens.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that said optical element
(110) comprises a mirror.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, characterized by comprising a cold surface
for enhancing a contrast between an object to be imaged and its background.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system as set forth in claim 15, characterized in that the cold surface is
produced by means of a container of liquid nitrogen, said container being provided
with a thermal insulation which comprises a material substantially transparent over
the detectable wavelength band.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, characterized by comprising a radiation
source and a diffuser for lighting an object to be imaged.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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